Former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Nicolas Torre III was sworn in Friday as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), a move that clarifies the leadership structure of the nation’s police force.

Torre took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on 26 December, and his appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. replaces Procopio Lipana, also a retired police officer.

The transition effectively ends Torre’s police career. National Police Commission Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan confirmed that by accepting the civilian post, Torre is “ipso facto resigned” from the police service.

“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,” Calinisan said, noting that Nartatez, the acting chief, will now become the full-fledged head of the PNP.

Torre’s tenure as the top commander of the PNP was marked by high-profile operations and a focus on response times. He implemented a “five-minute response policy” and increased mobile patrols to improve street security.

He also oversaw the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy in Davao City and the turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court via Interpol.

A career officer and the first graduate of the PNP Academy to lead the force, Torre previously headed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the police regional office in Davao.

However, his leadership was not without friction. His appointment to the MMDA comes four months after he was relieved of duty for refusing a Napolcom order to reverse the reassignment of senior officials.

Calinisan praised the move for providing “much-needed clarity” to police leadership, as Nartatez has held operational accountability for months.

“I am personally looking forward to the donning of the four-star rank to Gen. Nartatez by the president,” Calinisan said.