Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has formally ordered the removal of General Nicolas Torre III as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ending his short-lived stint as the country’s top cop. The decision comes amid concerns over the unusual prospect of having two four-star generals in the police force—one actively serving as chief and another left in a floating status.
Lieutenant General Melencio Nartates is to succeed Torre and assume leadership of the 230,000-strong police organization.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, August 26, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla described the move as “a difficult but necessary decision” for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“The President believes that his national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law,” Remulla said. “With the recent developments, the President was presented with the facts and he determined that the best course of action is to uphold the rule of NAPOLCOM as it was intended by law.”
Remulla added that Torre has the option to retire early or remain in service in another capacity, though the question of his four-star rank will ultimately be resolved by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
Malacañang insiders noted that the President’s decision was driven by the need to preserve institutional integrity and avoid complications in the PNP’s chain of command.
If confirmed, Nartates will inherit the enormous task of steering the PNP through critical reforms, internal challenges, and the growing demands of public safety and national security.
