Manila: Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has gone on a month-long leave and been placed under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU), PNP Public Information Office head Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o said on Friday. In a press briefing following the PNP's first command conference under acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. at Camp Crame, Tua±o stated that Torre's leave, effective from August 28 to September 29, was sanctioned by the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM). During his leave, Torre was also put on 'floating status' at the PHAU, where he is required to report for work daily.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PHAU functions as a unit of the DPRM where officers, whether commissioned or non-commissioned, are assigned temporarily as they await new appointments or positions. Tua±o elaborated that officers in the PHAU take on roles such as troop commanders or battalion commanders at parades and assume duties at the PNP Command Center, similar to command duty officers. Despite being removed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as PNP chief, Torre maintains his four-star rank, remaining active in the police service. Acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. will need to wait for Torre's early retirement to potentially become the full-fledged chief PNP due to regulations that permit only one four-star rank police general at a time.
In a video message on social media, Torre expressed gratitude to his supporters, whom he regards as his "strength and inspiration." He conveyed no hard feelings towards President Marcos Jr., expressing understanding of the decision. Torre affirmed his continued service to the country, stating, "I am still a policeman. I serve and I still continue to serve at the pleasure of the President and our country."
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz remains the regional director of Police Regional Office 12 (Soccskargen) despite facing a 90-day suspension for fabricating a case against a whistleblower involved in the investigation of missing 'sabungeros' (cockfight enthusiasts). Tua±o clarified that Macapaz has yet to officially receive any suspension order, preventive or administrative, and was seen at Camp Crame after the command conference. The PNP will adhere to any decision made regarding Macapaz, who is currently charged with grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer. The suspension stems from a complaint by Elakim Patidongan, alleging that Macapaz obstructed the investigation into the missing sabungeros by confiscating cellphones after an arrest.
