MANILA — Malacañang appealed to the public to respect President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to relieve Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III, who has also expressed respect for the order.

“Huwag naman nating masabi na nagkaroon ng messy transition because nagkausap naman po sila. Alam po natin na naiintindihan ni General Torre kung ano ‘yung naganap at nirerespeto po niya kung ano ‘yung naging desisyon ng Pangulo,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Press Officer Claire Castro said in a Palace briefing.

Castro pointed to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s earlier statement linking Torre’s relief to issues surrounding a National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) resolution on police reshuffling that reportedly bypassed en banc approval.

“Maliwanag naman po siguro ang pagkakasabi ni Secretary Jonvic Remulla kahapon at mayroong mga issues na hindi napagkasunduan at we just have to respect the wisdom of the President on this matter,” she said.

The Palace official also confirmed that Marcos offered Torre another post in government, though details of the position have yet to be finalized.

Castro dismissed speculations by the Makabayan bloc that Torre’s removal indicated divisions within the administration.

“Hindi po ‘yan nangyayari… si General Torre ay napakagaling na public servant at maaari pa rin po siya magsilbi sa bayan,” she said.