The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to receive any official communication from its highest-ranking officer, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, regarding his appointment as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño confirmed that there has been no word on whether Torre will opt for early retirement or accept the post offered by President Marcos.
“Wala pa,” Tuaño said when asked if the former PNP chief had already informed the leadership of his decision on the MMDA appointment.
He explained that once the PNP receives the appointment order, Torre may either choose optional retirement or transfer to another agency to continue his government service.
Torre’s appointment as MMDA general manager is seen as a way of resolving an awkward situation in the PNP wherein its highest ranking officer is on a non-duty status and that the official occupying the police top post, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., is a three-star general.
Under the law that created the PNP, only one officer is allowed to have a four-star rank in the police’s chain of command and Nartatez could not get his fourth star and full privilege of being the Chief PNP with Torre still in active service.
Torre is scheduled to retire on March 11, 2027 while Nartatez will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 a few days later, or on March 19.
Malacañang confirmed the appointment of Torre as general manager of MMDA, one of the highest positions in the agency.
Torre was appointed as Chief PNP in June this year, the first graduate of the PNP Academy to hold the police’s top post.
But two months later, he was relieved from his post over a controversial revamp order.
The MMDA, for its part, welcomed Torre’s appointment, saying his extensive experience in public service and law enforcement is expected to further strengthen the MMDA’s mandate in traffic management and public safety.
“Gen. Torre is a welcome addition to the MMDA family. I am sure he will be a big help to the agency,” MMDA Chairman Don Artes said.
Artes also expressed gratitude to Procopio Lipana, who will be replaced by Torre. (Aaron Recuenco)
