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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Remulla denies link of Torre's relief to dispute in P8B firearm purchase deal

Remulla denies link of Torre's relief to dispute in P8B firearm purchase deal

Published Aug 29, 2025 11:59 am  |  Updated Aug 29, 2025 02:26 pm
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla (Photo: DILG)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla (Photo: DILG)
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla refuted claims that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was relieved from his post supposedly for refusing to carry out his instruction to purchase firearms worth P8 billion.
“This is false,” Remulla said in a statement, referring to allegations that Torre was booted out of the post after he refused to sign a proposal supposedly from the interior secretary to buy 80,000 assault rifles through a budget insertion amounting to P8 billion under the Fiscal Year 2026 through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Remulla, however, confirmed that when he received an unsolicited proposal to purchase 80,000 firearms for the PNP, he asked Torre to assess its operational necessity.
He said he reminded Torre that such a purchase can only be done through congressional insertion as this was not included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
Since assuming the top DILG post, Remulla asserted that he “never facilitated nor endorsed any congressional budget insertion.”
But Remulla recalled that during the PNP anniversary last August 12, Torre told him the proposed purchase of the said firearms was unnecessary, so he concurred with the police chief.
“There was no directive to purchase,” Remulla reiterated.
Remulla pointed out that the DILG remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the safety of the communities.
On Aug. 26, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assumed the country’s top police post in a surprise ceremony presided by Remulla after Torre was relieved, catching the public by surprise.
The relief order was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and Remulla said it was approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made a difficult but necessary decision to remove PNP chief General Nicolas Torre III of his duties, the President believes that this nation’s security apparatus has always worked within the framework of the law,” Remulla said.
Stressing the good relationship between Marcos and Torre, Remulla stated that “this was not an easy choice but it was made in the national interest.”
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