MANILA — Police General Nicolas Torre III has been relieved as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after barely three months in office, with Malacañang not giving any reason for his removal.

A letter dated August 25, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by order of the President, directed Torre’s immediate relief as PNP chief and instructed him to ensure the proper turnover of all matters, documents, and information relative to his office.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Tuesday, August 26, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Lt. Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr., the former second-in-command of the PNP, as Torre’s replacement.

Prior to his appointment, Nartatez served as PNP deputy chief for administration, the second-highest position in the police force.

Torre’s removal came despite his leadership of several high-profile operations during his brief tenure, including the arrest of detained preacher Apollo Quiboloy between August and September 2024, and the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently held at the International Criminal Court (ICC) facility in the Netherlands.

Malacañang has yet to release an explanation for Torre’s sudden removal.