MANILA, Philippines — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed General Nicolas Torre from his position as the national police chief, a role he assumed in May 2022 and was expected to hold until 2027. This decision was communicated through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who did not provide specific reasons for Torre's removal. Torre's successor, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has taken over the leadership of the 232,000-member national police force.
In a letter made public on Tuesday, Bersamin instructed Torre to ensure a proper turnover of all documents related to his office. Torre's removal has raised questions, particularly as he had reportedly experienced disagreements with other government officials regarding the dismissal of over a dozen police officials from their posts, including Nartatez himself. The National Police Commission had previously ordered the reinstatement of these officials, which had reportedly not been executed promptly.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla addressed Torre's dismissal in a news conference, stating, “He did not violate any laws, he has not been charged criminally or administratively,” and emphasized that the decision was simply a matter of the president wanting to pursue a new direction for the national police. However, Remulla admitted that only the president could clarify the specifics of Torre's removal, leaving the future of Torre in government roles uncertain.
Torre had recently showcased a new anti-crime battle room at the national police headquarters to President Marcos, demonstrating advanced communication capabilities aimed at quick responses to law enforcement issues. His recent high-profile actions included overseeing the chaotic arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte at Manila’s international airport, following orders from the International Criminal Court regarding allegations of crimes against humanity in relation to Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign, which led to thousands of deaths during his presidency that concluded in June 2022.
Duterte faces accusations of ordering executions of drug suspects, despite his denials. His administration was heavily criticized by the United States and other nations due to the brutal nature of his law enforcement methods. Alongside Duterte’s arrest, Torre also led the operation that apprehended Apollo Carreon Quiboloy, a prominent religious leader and Duterte supporter who was placed on the FBI’s most-wanted list for alleged child sex trafficking. In this case, Torre directed thousands of police officers to confront Quiboloy’s followers, who resisted the arrest in his extensive religious complex in southern Davao city.
Quiboloy has been detained in a metropolitan Manila jail and faces multiple criminal cases similar to those in the United States, where extradition is being sought by the Philippine government. Both Quiboloy and his legal representatives deny the charges against him.
This unprecedented shakeup in the leadership of the Philippine national police comes at a critical time, as the country navigates complex issues surrounding law enforcement and human rights. The implications of Torre's dismissal and the ongoing tensions within the police force underscore the unfolding political landscape under President Marcos’s administration.
