Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has formally taken office as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
He was sworn in on Friday morning, Dec. 26, at Malacañan Palace by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, officially marking his entry into MMDA leadership following his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang earlier confirmed Torre’s appointment on Dec. 19, with Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro saying the former police chief would replace outgoing MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana.
The oath-taking capped months of speculation after Torre was relieved as PNP chief in August, with the Palace hinting that a new government post would be offered to him.
Torre was relieved as PNP chief in August, a move that Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla described as “a difficult but necessary decision” made in the national interest.
Torre oversaw several high-profile operations, including the arrests of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy and former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He holds the distinction of being the first Philippine National Police Academy graduate to be appointed as PNP chief.
He entered the police service after graduating from the PNPA in 1993, ranking fourth out of 90 cadets.
Over his career, Torre served as chief of police of Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Batangas City, provincial director of Samar, and chief information officer of Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon), among other posts.
Torre also holds three master’s degrees—Public Administration from the Philippine Christian University, Business Administration from the International Academy of Management and Economics, and Educational Management from Samar College.
As MMDA general manager, Torre is expected to oversee traffic management, flood control, and urban services across Metro Manila, one of the most complex governance environments in the country. (Argyll Geducos)
