Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is expected to receive the four-star rank of police general this week following the approval of the optional retirement of former PNP chief and current Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Gen. Nicolas Torre III, according to a report by Edniel Parrosa.

In a message sent to reporters, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano confirmed on Wednesday that Torre’s optional retirement from the police service has been approved and took effect on January 19, pursuant to National Police Commission (Napolcom) Resolution No. 2026-0029.

Tuano said the approval cleared the way for Nartatez’s promotion, allowing him to formally assume the rank traditionally held only by a full-fledged PNP chief.

Torre, a former PNP chief, accepted the post of MMDA general manager on December 26. His transition to the civilian-led agency required his separation from active police service, prompting the filing of an optional retirement.

With Torre’s retirement finalized, Nartatez, who has been serving as acting PNP chief, is now expected to be promoted to police general.

Both Nartatez and Torre were originally scheduled to retire in March 2027. The two are classmates, having graduated from the Philippine Military Academy and the Philippine National Police Academy.

The PNP said the promotion of Nartatez is expected to be completed within the week, formalizing his status as the country’s top police official.