(UPDATE) THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has denied reports that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III was removed from his post for allegedly rejecting a proposed firearms purchase linked to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

DILG denies allegations that PNP chief fired over firearms deal

In a statement, the DILG clarified that Remulla had merely instructed Torre to evaluate the operational necessity of an unsolicited proposal to acquire 80,000 firearms for the PNP.

“He also reminded Gen. Torre that this kind of purchase can only be done through congressional insertion, as it was not included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP),” the statement read, adding that Remulla had neither facilitated nor endorsed any congressional budget insertion for the proposal.

The clarification came amid circulating allegations of insubordination, which some reports suggested contributed to Torre’s dismissal.

These claims focused on Torre’s reported refusal to sign an “accomplished request” for P8 billion worth of high-powered rifles, which he argued were more appropriate for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) than for the PNP.

According to the DILG, Torre informed Remulla during the PNP anniversary last Aug. 12 that he did not deem the purchase necessary.

Remulla accepted Torre’s assessment, and no directive to proceed with the procurement was ever issued.

The department emphasized its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and public safety, assuring the public that these principles remain central to its operations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an order on Aug. 25, 2025, relieving Torre from his post as PNP chief., This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.com

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the order, which directed that Torre’s relief take effect immediately.

Remulla later confirmed that no criminal or administrative charges had been filed against Torre and underscored that the decision was guided by institutional rules of law.

Reports indicate that Torre clashed with other officials over the reassignment of top police officers, including his successor.

Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assumed command as officer-in-charge of the PNP.

The DILG said Torre’s relief was motivated by the need to uphold the rule of law and institutional integrity, rather than personal conflicts or disagreements.

Remulla described the President’s decision as “difficult but necessary” to ensure the PNP and the National Police Commission operate in accordance with the law.