Torre 'resigned' from PNP after assuming MMDA post — NAPOLCOM

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Friday said Police General Nicolas Torre III is considered resigned from the police service following his assumption as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan said this will allow PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to hold the four-star rank.

"With the appointment of Torre to the MMDA, and his acceptance of the post, he has ipso facto resigned from the police force," Calinisan said.

"This is a very welcome development as this paves the way for Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. to get his well deserved four-star rank which accompanies his original appointment as Chief of the PNP," he added.

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Torre played critical roles in several major events under the Marcos administration. As chief of the Davao Region police, Torre served the warrant of arrest against religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

During his tenure as chief of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Torre served the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) on former President Rodrigo Duterte.

For Calinisan, Torre's assumption to the MMDA helm provides clarity in the police organization, especially at the leadership level. 

"This provides that much needed clarity in the PNP, as Nartatez has full operational accountability and leadership responsibilities for months now," Calinisan said.

"I am personally looking forward to the donning of the four-star rank to Gen Nartatez by the President," he added.

READ | Some highlights of Nicolas Torre's career in the PNP

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the police organization will wait for Malacañang to promote Nartatez to four-star rank.

To recall, Torre was relieved from his post as PNP chief on August 25, with Nartatez replacing him at the post.

One of the reasons cited for Torre's relief as PNP chief was his defiance to an order of the NAPOLCOM on the reassignment of key officials. — VDV, GMA Integrated News