By El Amigo
MANILA — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Nicolas Torre III officially assumed office on Friday, December 26, 2025, after taking his oath as the new General Manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The oath-taking was administered by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto at Malacañang Palace. Torre replaces retired MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana, who led the agency for more than three years before stepping down.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. confirmed Torre’s appointment earlier this month following his departure from the PNP, signaling the administration’s decision to tap senior security officials for key civilian governance roles.
Career Background
Torre was born on March 11, 1970, in Jolo, Sulu. He is a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), Tagapaglunsad Class, holding a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety. He joined the police service in 1993 and rose through the ranks over more than three decades of service.
Throughout his career, Torre held several command and leadership positions, including chief of police in Samar and Quezon City, regional police director in Davao Region, and director of the PNP Communications and Electronics Service. He also served as director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
While serving as Regional Director of Police Regional Office 11 in 2024, Torre led the operation that resulted in the arrest of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on charges related to human trafficking, an enforcement action that drew nationwide attention.
In March 2025, during his stint as CIDG director, Torre supervised the implementation of an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte in connection with alleged crimes against humanity linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Short Tenure as PNP Chief
Torre was appointed the 31st Chief of the PNP on June 2, 2025, becoming the first PNPA graduate to hold the post. His term, however, lasted 85 days, ending on August 25, 2025. Palace officials cited policy and operational differences, including issues involving compliance with directives from the National Police Commission, as reasons for his relief. President Marcos later clarified that the decision did not reflect a loss of confidence in Torre.
Following his acceptance of the MMDA post, the National Police Commission said Torre is deemed to have effectively resigned from the police service. This cleared the way for acting PNP chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to assume the four-star rank without seniority concerns.
Role at the MMDA
As MMDA general manager, Torre will oversee traffic management, flood control, disaster preparedness, waste management, and coordination among Metro Manila’s local government units—functions that directly affect millions of residents in the capital region.
The MMDA is widely regarded as a central agency in addressing Metro Manila’s long-standing urban challenges, particularly traffic congestion and public safety. Torre’s leadership is expected to shape the agency’s policy direction as the government pushes for more efficient metropolitan governance.
Continued Public Service
Observers note that Torre’s appointment reflects the Marcos administration’s continued reliance on senior officials with extensive operational experience. His transition from law enforcement to metropolitan administration places him at the forefront of efforts to translate discipline and coordination into practical urban solutions.
