MANILA, Philippines — Barely a year after he was removed as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and appointment as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Gen. Nicolas Torre III has now retired upon the approval of the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Torre's retirement is contained in General Order NHQ-GO-OR-2026-330 dated Jan. 19 from the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM). “[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 2026-0029 dated Jan. 19, 2026,” the order read. The order paves the way for Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to be formally appointed and elevated to four-star general. After his removal as PNP chief, Torre said he would decide on his retirement once he is offered a post. Then on Dec. 26, 2025, Torre was named MMDA general manager which, Napolcom said, meant that he was “ipso facto” (by the very act) resigned from the police force.