The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) insist that Police General Nicolas Torre III is considered resigned from the police service upon assumption the general manager post of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan said with the appointment of Torre to the MMDA, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. can now assume the four-star rank.

“This is a very welcome development as this paved for Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. to get the four-star rank which accompanies his original appointment as Chief of the PNP,” Calinisan added.

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.

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