The Clergy for Good Governance on Thursday held a demonstration at Gate 2 of Camp Crame, Quezon City, questioning the sudden removal of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Nicolas Torre III.

TGroup convenor Father Robert Reyes said they were praying for Torre, whom he described as a rare figure who uplifted the morale of the police.

T“When he became PNP chief, the dignity of the force was restored because you had one decent officer. Without him, Duterte would still be staging ‘people power’ rallies daily,” Reyes told reporters.

TReyes criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for Torre’s removal, calling it “a big compromise” and branding the Chief Executive a “weak president.”

TDuring the gathering, members of the clergy smeared ashes on their bodies in a symbolic act at the PNP headquarters along Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue. In a September 2 letter to Torre, Reyes wrote that public trust in institutions was shaken but described Torre as “a steady light of hope.” He lauded the former police chief for showing that “integrity in public service is essential” and that true strength comes from humility and sacrifice.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Marcos is considering Torre for another government role.