Despite the Relief, Former PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III Understands PBBM’s Decision
Former PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III wants the people who pity him to redirect it to the victims of the frequent flooding in the country.
The Philippine National Police is now under the lead of Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez who was appointed as OIC following the relief of Torre. Undeniably, countless Filipinos were shocked and left puzzled by the decision of President Bongbong Marcos to remove Torre from his position.
It was less than three (3) months ago when Marcos Jr. appointed Torre to lead the national police. His appointment came after he played significant roles in the arrest of two (2) huge personalities in the Philippines — Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
Torre was the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) when the Philippine authorities assisted the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for the arrest of Duterte. Immediately, the former President’s custody was transferred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.
Countless Duterte supporters criticized Torre over the arrest of the former President. His appointment as the PNP chief also did not sit well with countless supporters of the former Chief Executive who remains under the custody of the ICC in The Hague since March.
Despite his unexpected relief from his position, former PNP chief Nicolas Torre III maintained that he is a good soldier and he knows how to follow instructions. He stressed that he has no resentment over his relief from the PNP lead.
Previously, amid the issue over the relief of the former PNP Chief, Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that Marcos Jr. is considering to offer another government position to Torre. Malacañang confirmed the said claim but refused to divulge specific details as to the position.
Recently, former PNP chief Nicolas Torre III spoke anew on his relief from his position. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, he maintained that he has no ill will towards Pres. Bongbong Marcos. He stressed that he understands that the President has to make tough decisions and his relief is allegedly one of it.
“Nauunawaan ko na kailangan niyang gumawa ng mga mabibigat na desisyon at ang pagkaalis ko bilang Chief of the Philippine National Police ay isa lamang sa mga ito,” Torre said.
Based on the report, former PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III also expressed his gratitude to the people who feel pity towards him but asked them not to feel pity towards him. According to him, such feeling should be redirected to the Filipino people who frequently experience flooding.
“Salamat din sa mga naawa sa akin, ngunit hinihiling ko sa inyo, ‘wag n’yo akong kaawaan… Kung meron man tayong dapat kaawaan, yun ay ang milyun-milyon nating kababayan na paulit-ulit na nagiging biktima ng palagiang pagbaha,” Torre said.
The former PNP Chief further expressed that the flood victims are the ones who truly need help and assistance now because they should not be the ones who are suffering during the rainy season. Based on the report, following his relief, Torre is currently under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.
Previously, the DILG hinted on the position that is being offered to ex-PNP chief Nicolas Torre III.
