POLICE Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has officially taken over as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Palace confirmed the change in leadership, Tuesday, Aug 26.
Malacañang’s official letter ordering Torre’s relief was dated August 25 but was released to the public only on Tuesday.
The document, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, carried the directive “by the order of the President.”
“For the continuous and efficient delivery of public services in the PNP, you are hereby directed to ensure proper turnover of all matters, documents and information relative to your office,” said the statement.
The order was effective immediately.
Torre was appointed earlier this year after then-PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil retired from service in June. He became the 31st PNP chief overall, and the fourth to serve under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Torre served as PNP chief for barely three months, though the reason for his relief has not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, before his appointment, Nartatez had been serving as Area Police Commander for Western Mindanao. He also previously held the post of PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, the second-highest position in the organization.
