Manila: Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III has officially taken the oath of office as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). The oath-taking ceremony was conducted by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto at Malaca±an Palace.

According to Philippines News Agency, Torre's appointment came a few months after he was removed from his position as PNP chief for not complying with a National Police Commission directive to reverse the reassignment of senior police officials. The MMDA, under Torre's leadership, will focus on coordinating with local government units in Metro Manila to address metro-wide concerns through various policies, programs, and projects.

Torre, an alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy, has an extensive career in law enforcement. He is recognized for his role as chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), where he managed high-profile operations, including the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor Apollo Quiboloy and the turnover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court. His career spans over three decades and includes leadership roles in the Davao region police, Western Samar Provincial Police Office, and other police stations in Batangas City and Mabalacat.

National Police Commission vice chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan confirmed that Torre is "ipso facto resigned" from the police force after accepting the MMDA appointment. This development also sets the stage for acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to assume the position of full-fledged chief of the Philippine National Police upon receiving his four-star rank.

Calinisan praised Gen. Nartatez for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the professionalization of the PNP, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the force effectively.