While officials framed Torre’s dismissal as an administrative matter, multiple sources told This Week in Asia he was sacked for rejecting the “overpriced” 8 billion Philippine peso (US$140 million) proposal involving “too many” rifles.
One source said police were “rarely issued long arms” and estimated that “[fewer] than 40,000” officers would need such weapons – far below the 80,000 requested.
The saga, which erupted late last month, now threatens to ensnare top government officials, lawmakers and even the presidential palace, while exposing the deepening rift between the Philippines’ executive and legislative branches.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the decision stemmed from Torre’s refusal to follow a directive from the National Police Commission (Napolcom) reversing a reshuffle of eight senior officers.
