Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla has denied allegations that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III was removed from his post for allegedly refusing to follow an instruction to purchase P8 billion worth of firearms.
“This is false,” Remulla said in a statement, referring to claims that Torre was relieved after he refused to sign a proposal supposedly from the interior secretary to buy 80,000 assault rifles through a budget insertion 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 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 Marcos. (Chito Chavez)
