MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has denied reports that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III was removed from his post for allegedly rejecting a proposed firearms purchase linked to Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

DILG denies claims ex-PNP chief ousted over firearms purchase

In a statement, the DILG clarified that Remulla had only instructed Torre to evaluate the operational necessity of an unsolicited proposal to acquire 80,000 firearms for the PNP.

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“He also reminded Gen. Torre that this kind of purchase can only be done through congressional insertion as this was not included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP),” the agency said, adding that Remulla had neither facilitated nor endorsed any congressional budget insertion for the proposal.

The DILG said Torre communicated to Remulla during the PNP anniversary on Aug. 12, 2025 that he did not consider the purchase necessary, a conclusion with which the secretary agreed with. No directive to proceed with the procurement was issued.

The department reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public safety, assuring the public that it would continue to uphold these principles in all its operations.