Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Monday confirmed "conflicts" within the organization but expressed confidence that they will be internally resolved soon. "Hindi naman natin dini-deny na may mga conflict na nangyayari pero these are all administrative in nature na ako ay confident mare-resolve (We're not denying that conflicts happen but these are all administrative in nature and I am confident that they will be resolved) within the organization," Torre told the media.
According to Philippines News Agency, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) recently reversed the reassignment of senior police officials, prompting reports of conflicts and the release of statements of support for Torre. "I do believe na ito ay mareresolba sa loob ng organisasyon. It is a simple case of dialogue and paliwanagan and you know, pare-pareho naman tayo at iisa ang ating purpose, iisa ang ating layunin dito, iisa ang pag iisip natin at direksyon (I do believe that it will be resolved within the organization. It is a simple case of dialogue and explanation and you know, we are the same here and we have the same purpose, we have the same goal, we have the same thinking and direction). So it is all for the good of the Filipino people," Torre said.
The Napolcom, through Resolution 2025-0531 dated Aug. 14, ordered Torre to bring back Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez as deputy chief for administration and Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac back as Area Police Command-Western Mindanao commander. Banac and Nartatez switched posts on Aug. 6 upon Torre's order.
Torre refused to answer directly if his order would prevail, but during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City, he recognized Banac as the PNP's deputy chief for administration, in conflict with the Napolcom order. "Ang PNP ay nagkaka-isa. Walang utos, walang balakid at walang pagsubok na makakagiba sa ating pagkakaisa at sa ating panata sa bayan (The PNP is united. No order, no obstacle, and no challenge can destroy our unity and our commitment to the nation)," he said.
"Habang nagpupugay tayo ngayon sa ating bandila, tandaan natin ang ating serbisyo ay hindi para sa sarili kungdi para sa sambayanang Pilipino (As we salute our flag today, let us remember that our service is not for ourselves but for the Filipino people)."
