PNP chief Torre relieved from post—Malacañang
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has been relieved from his post, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed.
In a letter dated Aug. 25, Malacañang removed Torre as chief of the PNP "effective immediately."
"For continuous and efficient delivery of public services in the PNP, you are hereby directed to ensure proper turnover of all matters, documents and information relative to your office," the document signed by Bersamin stated.
JUST IN: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre is relieved from his post, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirms on Tuesday.
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) August 26, 2025
“You are hereby relieved as Chief, PNP effective immediately. For the continuous and efficient delivery of public services in the… pic.twitter.com/ZVmZ6dOuXB
On May 29, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Torre as the new PNP chief, replacing Gen. Rommel Marbil. Torre, a PNP Academy graduate, is the fourth head of the police under the Marcos Jr. administration.
Before he became PNP chief, Torre served as Davao regional police director and headed the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy. While he was the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Torre led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court in The Hague for his alleged crimes against humanity.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Police Lt. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. will replace Torre.
"Nartatez has served the PNP with distinction, much less with honor and integrity. The president, while ruminating through papers and qualifications, saw that Nartatez is best qualified to be the next chief PNP," he said.
Remulla said that Torre did not violate any laws nor has been charged "criminally nor administratively."
"It is simply a choice of the President to take a new direction for the PNP," he said.
"He didn't violate any laws, he has bot been charged with any criminal case, but is a presidential appointee who served at the pleasure of the president. And the President has made a decision to go on another direction," Remulla stressed.
In a press conference, the DILG added that Marcos is considering Torre for another post in government.
