FORMER national police chief and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson said today, August 26, that a top police official exceeded his authority in unilaterally relieving his second-in-command.
In an emailed statement, Lacson said that Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, acted “beyond his authority” by removing P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
“Typically, the designation or removal of members of the PNP Command Group must be cleared with the President or at least the head of the National Police Commission and the Secretary of Interior and Local Government,” Lacson’s statement reads in part.
Lacson, who served as PNP chief under former President Joseph Estrada, said that even with “blanket authority” to manage the PNP, he did not have absolute power over such appointments.
“The relief of P/Gen. Torre is the sole prerogative of the President of the Philippines,” Lacson said.
He pointed out the importance of a “smooth transition and transfer of command and authority” to ensure the PNP’s mission to maintain peace and order is not hampered.
Yesterday, August 25, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a relief order of Torre as PNP chief “effective immediately.”
“For the continuous and efficient delivery of public services in the PNP, you [Torre] are hereby directed to ensure proper turnover of all matters, documents, and information relative to your office,” Bersamin’s order reads.
The executive secretary, however, neither divulge the reason for Torre’s immediate relief from PNP nor where the general will be transferred.
