Former PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III breaks silence on ouster with social media post

• Former PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III made his first public statement on social media, simply saying, "Salamat po sa suporta nyo!" (Thank you for your support!)

• The post was a shared message from a fan page dedicated to him, acknowledging his strength and service to the people

• Torre's relief followed a controversial reshuffle order that was defied by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), which is widely believed to be a key factor in his removal

• The government has stated that Torre was not relieved for any criminal or administrative violations and is being considered for another government post

In his first public statement since being unceremoniously relieved as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General Nicolas Torre III took to social media to express gratitude to his supporters.

Breaking his silence on Tuesday, the former top cop shared a post from a dedicated fan page with a simple but poignant message: "Salamat po sa suporta nyo!" (Thank you for your support!).

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The post, which was shared on his verified Facebook account, came just hours after the news of his ouster broke.

The original message from the fan page, titled "Chief Torre, The People's General," praised his dedication and courage in service to the public.

The post read, in part: "In every fight—whether in the ring or in service—victory is always for the people. Chief Torre's strength and courage are for the benefit of every Filipino. Because true victory is in continuing to serve the people."

Torre's brief and controversial tenure at the helm of the 230,000-strong police force lasted just under three months, making it one of the shortest in the agency's history.

His removal was confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who cited an immediate need for a proper turnover of command.

While Malacañang has not provided a specific reason for the relief, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla later stated that the decision was a "difficult but necessary" one made to uphold the institutional integrity of the PNP.

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Reports and sources point to a major point of contention: Torre's defiance of a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) directive.

Weeks prior to his relief, Torre had ordered a reshuffle of key senior officials, a move that was opposed by NAPOLCOM for allegedly not following standard protocols.

NAPOLCOM had issued a resolution to reverse the reassignment, but Torre's lack of immediate compliance was seen as a challenge to the commission's authority. This incident is widely believed to be the primary factor in his removal.

Despite his sudden exit, Torre has not been accused of any criminal or administrative violations, according to DILG Secretary Remulla.

The administration reportedly still values his service and is considering him for another position within the government. Meanwhile, his replacement, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who was the deputy he attempted to reassign, has been named OIC of the PNP.

Nartatez has committed to continuing some of his predecessor's key projects, including the "five-minute response" policy.

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Torre's social media post, a low-key acknowledgment of his supporters, stands in stark contrast to the dramatic events surrounding his relief.

His message of gratitude, shared through a fan page, suggests a commitment to public service that extends beyond his official title and hints at a possible future role outside the PNP.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable stories that people could easily understand and relate in their lives.

Meanwhile, Sebastian "Baste" Duterte commented on the relief of Gen. Nicolas Torre III as PNP Chief, calling it a demotion. Duterte suggested the relief was due to "internal conflict" within the current administration. He also claimed that any new PNP Chief would have orders to "target" the Duterte family and their supporters. The statements were made during a family visit to former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC detention center in The Hague.

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In other news, a 17-year-old female student dies after tricycle falls into irrigation canal in Echague, Isabela. The tricycle was driven by a male student with three female classmates as passengers. Driver and two passengers survived, while one student drowned and was found the next day. Authorities remind the public of road safety and the risks of unlicensed student drivers.

Source: KAMI.com.gh