Torre takes oath as MMDA general manager

Former Philippine National Police chief Nicholas Torre III took his oath Friday as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Torre took his oath MMDA general manager before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

He replaced Procopio Lipana.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said it would be a mandatory retirement for Torre ''if he chooses another job.''

To recall, Torre was relieved from his post as PNP chief on August 25. He was replaced by Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

Remulla had said that one of the reasons Torre was relieved as PNP chief was his defiance to an order of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on the reassignment of key officials.

In September, Marcos said Torre was removed as PNP chief after the top cop ''did not agree with the directives that were coming out of NAPOLCOM."

The President also guaranteed that there was no loss of confidence in Torre.

READ: Nicolas Torre: The New MMDA General Manager

Torre, who had served as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11 to face charges of crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.

As Police Regional Office 11 (PRO 11) chief, Torre led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on September 8, 2024 in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. 

'Resigned from PNP'

With Torre’s new role in the MMDA, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) said “he has ipso facto resigned from the police force.”

“This is a very welcome development as this paves the way for General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. to get his well deserved four-star rank which accompanies his original appointment as chief of the Philippine National Police,” said NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan.

Currently, Nartatez is leading the PNP as “acting chief.”

“This provides that much needed clarity in the PNP, as Nartatez has full operational accountability and leadership responsibilities for months now. I am personally looking forward to the donning of the four-star rank to Gen. Nartatez by the President,” he added.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the police organization will wait for the Malacañang to promote Nartatez to four-star rank, which was previously held by Torre. — with Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News