Manila, Philippines – The Malacañang Palace on Thursday said that Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief P/Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. will finally take his duty as a four-star general.
This happened after Nicolas Torre’s optional retirement in the service.
According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro Nartatez will officially take the post of the highest man in the PNP following the optional retirement of then PNP Chief and now MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III.
Castro emphasized, Torre accepted the position for the MMDA knowing what can happen and what will happen.
Earlier in the day, torre denies application for optional retirement but said he is just waiting for an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Torre was relieved from his post as PNP chief on August 25, 2025, and replaced by Nartatez Jr. as acting chief.
On the same day the DILG said that they cannot force torre to resign after being relieved from the service.
SILG Jonvic Remulla said, when torre accepted the position it was considered as ipso facto resigned.