MANILA, Philippines — It is the end of an era for Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
Barely a year after being removed as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Torre has now officially retired from the police service. His retirement was approved by the National Police Commission (Napolcom), closing a long chapter in his career.
The decision was formalized in General Order NHQ-GO-OR-2026-330, dated January 19, issued by the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.
According to the order, Torre was optionally retired effective December 26, 2025, with full retirement benefits and longevity pay equivalent to his rank. The approval was confirmed through Napolcom Resolution 2026-0029.
It was a move many saw coming.
After his removal as PNP chief, Torre had openly said he would decide on retirement once a new role was offered to him. That moment arrived on December 26, 2025, when he was appointed general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Under the law, Napolcom explained, the appointment meant Torre was “ipso facto” resigned from the police force — by the very act of accepting the post.
With Torre’s retirement finalized, the path is now clear for Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the acting PNP chief, to be formally appointed and elevated to the rank of four-star general.
For Torre, the uniform may now be off — but his role in public service continues, this time on the streets of Metro Manila rather than within the ranks of the police.
