Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday clarified the retirement status of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III, following months of confusion. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Torre's optional retirement, which entitles him to full benefits as a four-star general, is in order.

According to Philippines News Agency, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) earlier announced that Torre has formally retired from police service, months after he was removed as chief of the PNP. Torre, however, denied retiring, saying he had not submitted any application. Despite this, the former PNP chief now serves as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), while still retaining eligibility for full four-star benefits under existing laws.

In a press briefing at the Palace, Castro said the misunderstanding has been resolved, and no further meetings between Torre and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. are necessary. 'Nakausap po mismo natin si Gen. Torre, at malamang po ay nagkaroon lang nang kaunting misunderstanding (We spoke with Gen. Torre himself, and it turns out there was just a slight misunderstanding),' she said. 'The President appointed Gen. Torre as the general manager of MMDA. He took his office. He is now actively performing his job as the general manager of MMDA. And for his optional retirement, he will receive full benefits and emoluments as a four-star general.'

When asked if Torre would transfer his four-star rank to his successor, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Castro confirmed, 'Iyan po ang sinabi natin sa kaniya. Accepted po niya iyon (That's what we told him. He has accepted that).' With this, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is expected to be promoted to four-star status, the rank traditionally held by the sitting PNP chief.

Castro also noted that the situation underscores the need to possibly revisit provisions of the PNP law to prevent future confusion.