PNP chief Torre sacked

Nartatez named PNP OIC; new post eyed for Torre

- By HELEN FLORES and MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin informed Torre of his relief in a letter dated Aug. 25. "For the 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 letter read.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by members of the media yesterday, did not state the reason for Torre's removal. Torre has yet to issue a statement on his relief. The firing of Torre, which came as a surprise to many, was preceded by reports of a rift between him and Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla over the reshuffle of 13 senior PNP officials, including Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., without informing Remulla and the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Hours after Malacañang confirmed Torre's removal, Remulla led the turnover of command to Nartatez in a ceremony held at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Nearly all police generals trooped to the Camp Crame multipurpose hall to witness the ceremony.

A memorandum sent to Marcos dated Aug. 25 showed that Bersamin has recommended Nartatez as the next PNP chief. "The undersigned respectfully requests for the President's signature on the appointment," Bersamin's memo read.

'Difficult but necessary'

At a press conference, Remulla said the decision of the President to remove Torre was "difficult but necessary," adding it was made "in the national interest." Remulla said a reshuffle in the PNP was a factor in the removal of Torre as head of the organization.

"The President believes that national security apparatus must always work within the framework of the law," the DILG chief 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 role of Napolcom as it was intended by law. As part of this resolution, the President decided to relieve Gen.