Philippine Police Chief Dismissed Amid Controversy

Manila, Aug 26 (AP) – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed his national police chief, General Nicolas Torre, known for his leading role in the arrests of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte and televangelist Apollo Carreon Quiboloy. These actions were carried out under the orders of the International Criminal Court and based on Quiboloy's placement on the FBI's most-wanted list for alleged child sex trafficking, as reported by Philippine authorities on Tuesday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin did not specify the reason for Torre's removal as head of the 232,000-member national police force. Torre was appointed to this position by Marcos in May and was expected to hold it until 2027. He will be succeeded by another senior police general, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, who took over the position on Tuesday. In a letter made public, Bersamin informed Torre of his immediate dismissal on Marcos's orders, instructing him to ensure a proper turnover of all documents and information related to his office. Torre was not immediately available to comment. Torre reportedly experienced conflicts with government officials over his decision to remove over a dozen police officials from their posts, including Nartatez. Although the National Police Commission ordered their reinstatement this month, it was not carried out promptly. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that Torre did not violate any laws and had not been charged criminally or administratively. He described the removal as simply the President's choice to pursue a new direction for the national police. He emphasized the role of institutions over individuals, describing the relationship between Marcos and Torre as “wonderful and productive.” However, he noted that only the President could explain Torre's removal, and it remains uncertain if Torre will be offered another government position. Recently, Torre showcased a new anti-crime battle room to Marcos at the national police headquarters, which facilitates rapid officer communication through two-way radio and other systems to address law and order issues swiftly. In March, Torre led the arrest of Duterte at Manila's international airport for his alleged crimes against humanity related to deadly anti-drug crackdowns during his presidency. Duterte, who completed his term in 2022, faced accusations over a campaign against illegal drugs that led to thousands of deaths, sparking international concern. Though Duterte denied ordering executions, he threatened drug traffickers publicly both as a longtime mayor of Davao city and as president. Last year, Torre oversaw the arrest of religious leader Quiboloy, a supporter of Duterte, who was on the FBI's most-wanted list for sexual abuse and trafficking, amidst opposition from his followers. Quiboloy has been detained in a Manila jail for similar charges as those he faces in the United States, which has sought his extradition, as confirmed by Philippine Ambassador to Washington, Jose Manuel Romualdez. Quiboloy and his attorneys have denied the allegations. (AP)

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