Fr. Robert Reyes: Marcos move to replace Torre a ‘compromise’
Clergy for Good Governance convenor Fr. Robert Reyes, along with other clergy, gather in front of the Philippine National Police’s headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday, September 4, 2025, to deliver a letter of support for former PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, citing his integrity and commitment to justice. — Photo by Faith Argosino/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — The convenor of Clergy for Good Governance, Fr. Robert Reyes, criticized Thursday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to replace former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, saying the move compromised the police force’s integrity.
Reyes made the pronouncement when he and other clergy members delivered a letter of support for Torre to the PNP headquarters in Quezon City.
READ: Torre goes on leave; Nartatez vows fair reassignments
“Because I pray for General Torre. Because he is a sensible person, when he became PNP chief, police morale and honor increased because you have a decent police officer. And if it weren’t for General Torre, [former President Rodrigo] Duterte would still be here, exercising People’s Power daily,” Reyes told reporters in an interview.
“That’s why I don’t understand Bongbong Marcos and why he’s making another compromise. This is a compromise, a weak president,” he further lamented.
Reyes also expressed distrust in new PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
“The reputation is not good. I don’t know him, but I read from social media postings that the person who replaced Torre has skeletons in the closet,” he claimed.
INQUIRER.net has sought comment from the offices of Marcos and Nartatez, but they have not replied as of this posting time.
Reyes and the other clergy members wore sackcloths and applied ashes on their faces and hands. Reyes explained that sackcloth and ashes symbolize repentance, mourning, and humility before God.
He also connected this symbolism to the alleged corruption hounding government projects, including flood control programs.
Police officers met Reyes at the gate and offered to relay his message to Torre, but did not permit him to enter the headquarters. — With reports from Maria Jodi Pada, INQUIRER.net intern /das/abc
