Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III has formally retired from the police service after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) approved his separation from the 220,000-strong force.
His optional retirement was confirmed through General Order No. NHQ-GO-OR-2026-330 dated January 19, issued by the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.
“(Torre) is optionally retired from the PNP service effective Dec. 26, 2025 with 5th (longevity pay) and retirement benefits equivalent to his present rank as approved by the Napolcom Resolution No. 2026-0029 dated Jan. 19, 2026,” the order read.
With Torre’s retirement finalized, acting PNP chief Jose Nartatez Jr. is expected to be promoted to the four-star rank, reserved for a permanent head of the police force.
Torre’s exit came months after his removal from the top post on August 26, 2025, when he refused to comply with a NAPOLCOM directive reversing the reassignment of senior police officials. Nartatez assumed leadership in an acting capacity soon after.
Despite leaving the PNP, Torre later rejoined government service as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on December 26, 2025.