Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III took his oath as General Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Friday, December 26.
Torre replaces Procopio Lipana at the MMDA, marking his transition from law enforcement to metropolitan governance.
A member of the Philippine National Police Academy “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993, Torre previously served as PNP chief before he was abruptly relieved from the post.
Despite his removal, Torre remains the country’s highest-ranking police officer, holding a four-star rank. He was relieved as PNP chief on August 25 and was replaced by Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla had earlier said one of the reasons for Torre’s relief was his defiance of a National Police Commission order on the reassignment of key officials, adding that accepting the MMDA post would result in Torre’s mandatory retirement.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., however, has guaranteed that there was no loss of confidence in Torre.
Torre is widely known for leading high-profile operations. As Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, he led the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to the International Criminal Court in The Hague on March 11 to face crimes against humanity charges linked to the war on drugs.
As Police Regional Office 11 chief, he also led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City on September 8, 2024 over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.