Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has removed Police General Nicolas Torre III as chief of the 232,000-strong Philippine National Police, less than three months after appointing him to the post. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin released the order on 26 August, directing Torre to hand over all documents and responsibilities immediately. No official reason was given for the dismissal, though local media have reported tension between Torre and the National Police Commission over recent personnel reshuffles. Marcos named Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the new PNP chief. Nartatez, previously the force’s deputy chief for administration and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, will lead the service as it implements the administration’s community-focused anti-crime and anti-drug programs. Torre, who would have served until 2027 under mandatory-retirement rules, drew international attention earlier this year when he oversaw the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte on a warrant from the International Criminal Court, and the separate apprehension of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, who faces child-sex trafficking charges in the United States. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Torre had not been accused of any wrongdoing, adding only that the president “has chosen a new direction” for the national police.