Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III expressed gratitude to senior officers and other groups that backed him up following the controversy that was created by the issuance of a National Police Commission (Napolcom) order that reversed the recent revamp in the organization.

In a press briefing, Torre declared that the issue was already resolved but chose to stay quiet on the question on whether or not the issue was already resolved, and how.

“I would like to believe that this is already closed. On the part of the PNP, the book is closed, the case is closed and we would like to move on to other issues,” said Torre.

Last week, Napolcom issued an order reversing the directive of Torre for Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., the then Deputy Chief for Administration, and Police Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, then commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, to swap positions.

What made a number of police officials uncomfortable with the Napolcom order was when it allegedly overstepped its boundaries by making its own revamp involving 10 senior officers.

This led to the issuance of manifestos of support for Torre—from retired police generals, graduates of the PNP Academy and the group of lateral entrants in the police organization.

Torre said he was honored by the outpour of support in the interest of the police organization.

“in the past days, we faced a big challenge that only strengthened our unity. I felt your concern, your trust, and your stand so this morning, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude,” said Torre in his speech during the flag-raising ceremony.

“We sent a clear message that the PNP is united. That no order, no hindrance and no challenge will destroy our unity and our commitment to the nation,” he added.

The Napolcom was interpreted by some observers as a turf war between Torre and the Napolcom.

But for Torre, differences in opinion happen even in a family but in the end, the focus is to patch things up and move forward.