Ex-PNP chief Torre formally retires from police service

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas D. Torre III has officially retired from the country’s police force.

According to a general order released by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) dated January 19, 2026, Torre’s optional retirement became effective on December 26, 2025.

The retirement order, signed by Napolcom officials and disseminated through PNP channels, marks the close of a long career in law enforcement for Torre, who rose through the ranks over more than three decades.

Police career

Torre, who hails from Jolo, Sulu, earned his Bachelor of Science in Public Safety degree at the Philippine National Police Academy in Canlubang, Laguna in 1993.

He became the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to lead the police force.

Torre took over as the 31st PNP chief on June 2 and served for around two months and three weeks.

During his stint as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, he led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11 over crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs.

As Police Regional Office 11 chief, he 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.

Torre also served as the Communications and Electronics Service director of the PNP from April 3 to June 17, 2024.

He also became the chief of the Quezon City Police District from August 8, 2022 to August 30, 2023.

Torre, however, was relieved from his post as PNP chief on August 25, 2025 and was replaced by Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr., in September, explained that Torre was removed as PNP chief after he ''did not agree with the directives that were coming out of NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission)."

MMDA General Manager

In December, Torre was named as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

With Torre’s new role in the MMDA, 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.

Nartatez, meanwhile, previously said that the schedule of his promotion to four-star rank is up to NAPOLCOM.

“With regard to the pending four-star, it’s up to the NAPOLCOM that administers the PNP kapag nag-submit na sila ng recommendation for the promotion,” Nartatez said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News