• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Following the relief of Gen. Nicolas Torre III as the chief of the Philippine National Police, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) remains flexible and is not directly affected by the decision from the national office, NOCPPO spokesperson PCapt. Judesses Catalogo said yesterday.
Catalogo highlighted that they are still continuing the mandate and their obligation for the safety and security of the Negrosanon, despite the change of the leadership within the PNP.
“We remain flexible on whatever may be the changes, and we are not directly affected, but we are still continuing our mandate and obligation for the Negrosanon to continue our function as police officers,” he said during the press conference.
Despite the letter from the Office of the President regarding the change of leadership that was posted online, Catalogo said that the provincial office had not yet received any memorandum from the national office.
He also disclosed that the NOCPPO will just follow whatever new directives or guidelines the new police chief will impose.
“We are waiting for the new guidelines and new directives from the new chief PNP. We are waiting for the memorandum on what would be the directions of law enforcement and anti-criminality campaigns,” he added.
Negros Occidental PNP will still continue its 5-minute response, an initiative led by Torre during his term, unless the new police chief implements new strategies, according to Catalogo.
On Monday, Malacañang released a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, ordering the relief of Torre from his position. The reason behind the decision was not stated in the memorandum.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday appointed PLt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the new PNP chief. The transition marks the fifth leadership change in the PNP under the Marcos administration.*
