Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic’’ Remulla denied on Monday, Sept. 1, claims that the P8 billion firearms deal which was not allegedly signed by Gen. Nicolas Torre III was the reason behind his ouster as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In a press briefing, Remulla said he was even the one who asked Torre if the purchase of high-powered firearms is necessary for the PNP and asked the latter to review the proposal.

The purchase of assault rifles for the PNP was purportedly part of the move for the police force to take over the internal security from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) which in turn is focusing on external defense.

Remulla recalled the exact words of Torre in rejecting the purchase: “Sir we do not need the rifles, we are 95 percent compliant with the requirements of the PNP at para bumili pa tayo ay hindi na kailangan (we do not need the rifles, we are 95 percent compliant with the requirements of the PNP and to purchase them is not needed).’’

He said he concurred with Torre’s assessment of turning down what he described as Congressional insertion request for the purchase of the rifles.

Remulla explained that the DILG can only bid for office supplies and other operating procedure expenditures.

For the record, Remulla asserted never signing requests for congressional insertions that were incorporated outside the national expenditure program (NEP), namely the P500 million intelligence fund for the DILG and the P1 billion for the purchase of light amphibious vehicles.

“For the record ask the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) for 2025 budget na minana ko kay former Secretary Abalos lahat ng congressional insertions na nilagay outside of the NEP ay hindi ko pinirmahan (For the record ask the DBM for the 2025 budget that I inherited from former secretary Abalos, I never signed all congressional insertions that were incorporated outside the NEP),’’ Remulla insisted.

To recall Remulla asserted that he “never facilitated nor endorsed any congressional budget insertion’’ since assuming the top DILG post.

The DILG chief commended PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez “for realizing the insertion in the budget,’’ concurring that they will not allow this.

Earlier, Remulla refuted suspicions that Torre was relieved from his post supposedly for refusing to carry out his instruction to purchase firearms.

In a statement, Remulla insisted that Torre’s alleged disobedience of his order was the reason behind the recent reorganization at the PNP is false.

Remulla pointed out that the DILG remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the safety of our communities.