The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Friday welcomed the acceptance of Nicolas Torre III as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), saying the move brings clarity to the leadership of the Philippine National Police.

NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan said Torre’s acceptance of the MMDA post effectively ends his service in the police force, paving the way for Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to fully assume the rank and authority attached to his appointment as PNP chief.

“With the appointment of Torre to the MMDA, and his acceptance of the post, he has ipso facto resigned from the police force. This is a very welcome development as this paves the way for Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. to get his well deserved four-star rank which accompanies his original appointment as Chief of the Philippine National Police,” Calinisan said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week appointed Torre to head the MMDA, replacing Procopio Lipana, who is also a retired police officer.

Calinisan said the development resolves leadership ambiguity within the PNP, noting that Nartatez has already been carrying out the full responsibilities of the post for several months.

“This provides that much needed clarity in the PNP, as Nartatez has full operational accountability and leadership responsibilities for months now. I am personally looking forward to the donning of the four-star rank to Gen Nartatez by the President,” he said.

Calinisan also commended Nartatez’s performance as head of the police force.

“I commend Gen Nartatez for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to professionalizing the PNP,” he added.