BARELY a week after he was sacked as PNP chief, netizens are urging Gen. Nicolas Torre III to “target” corrupt officials in the government once he formally joins the administration’s fight against corruption.
The suggestions were given after Torre posted on Facebook last Saturday afternoon a video of him consecutively hitting two target plates at a shooting range.
“Paminsan minsan, nakakadalawang tsamba rin ang matandang maitim! Ano ang susunod nating targetin? Comment down below! (Sometimes, a black old man gets lucky twice! What should we target next? Comment down below!),” Torre’s caption read.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relieved Torre as head of the 228,000-strong police force on Monday last week. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assumed as the PNP officer-in-charge the following day.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla later said the relief of Torre was related to their disagreement over the reassignment of senior officials in the PNP.
Remulla also disclosed that the President has offered Torre a post in government related to the fight against corruption, but did not give additional details.
Palace press officer Claire Castro has confirmed that a new government post has been offered to Torre, but likewise refused to elaborate.
Torre, in an interview at the House of Representatives last week after he visited Rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal PL), refused to directly respond to reporters’ questions about the job offer, saying that he would first wait Malacañang’s appointment before making a comment.
As of Sunday noon, Torre’s post has gained over 700 comments, including from a certain retired Army colonel Ferdinand who answered: “Mga corrupt (the corrupt).”
Another retired police general suggested that Torre should lead a motu proprio investigation on corruption in government.
“Initially, the investigation must focus on the alleged anomalies regarding the flood control projects. Then move on to the other corruptions which the President during his SONA (State of the Nation Address) acknowledged to exist,” he said.
“This is the best opportunity to shine and this will not be done for any political party nor for any politician but purely it will be done for the sake of the Filipino people and for the country. Besides who can prevent us when we will do it as taxpayers,” the commenter added.
Another netizen said Torre should go after corruption officials in the government who he said have been making the life of Filipinos miserable.
Another commenter asked Torre to target corrupt senators and congressmen, and officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and Commission on Audit and even contractors.
“Paki-una po yung mga proponents ng ghost projects. (Please prioritize the proponents of ghost projects),” he added.
Another netizen said Torre should target all corrupt officials and contractors and run for senator in the 2028 elections.
Another one also urged the former PNP leader to run for senator in the next elections, praising his integrity as a police officer.
One of the netizens likened Torre to former PNP chief now Sen. Panfilo Lacson, saying the two are courageous, good and dependable.
