Controversial police general Nicolas Torre III has been officially classified as retired from the Philippine National Police (PNP), with his 5th longevity pay and retirement benefits equivalent to a four-star general approved, following his acceptance of President Marcos’ appointment as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Based on the PNP’s General Orders dated Jan. 19, Torre was considered “optionally retired” effective Dec. 26, citing the approval of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) as the basis.
Torre was appointed as Chief PNP in June last year, becoming the first graduate of the PNP Academy to hold the highest police post in the country.
His selection is attributed to his role in the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy and the serving of arrest warrant against former president Rodrigo Duterte who is currently detained at the Netherlands.
In August last year, Torre was relieved as PNP chief reportedly over a dispute in the reorganization in the police organization.
Since only one official is allowed to hold a four-star rank in the PNP, the official and approved retirement of Torre is expected to pave the way for Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. to get his fourth star.
Nartatez is currently a three-star general holding the top police post in an acting capacity. (Aaron Recuenco)
