The Philippine National Police (PNP) marked another historic moment, as it welcomed its new Chief, bringing a renewed vision for the organization. Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. assumed the position as the Acting PNP Chief in an assumption ceremony presided over by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG) Jonvic Remulla on August 26, 2025 at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. His appointment followed the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through General Orders Number NHQ-GO-DES-2025-4316 dated August 26, 2025, and was later formally affirmed by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) under Resolution No. 2025-0552 on August 27, 2025.
The event was attended by Police Lieutenant General Bernard M. Banac, The Acting Deputy PNP Chief for Administration (TADCA); Police Major General Constancio T. Chinayog, Jr., Director of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM); and other PNP senior officers and staff. The turnover of command was conducted following the relief of Police General Nicolas D. Torre III, the former PNP Chief.
In his first message as the PNP Top Cop, PLtGen Nartatez expressed his humility and gratitude for the trust and confidence entrusted to him by the President to lead the 231,000-strong police force, saying: “Mangidadaulo iti pagilyan tayu, Apu madaydayaw, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President, Republic of the Philippines, for his trust and confidence to implement the needed reforms in the organization, thank you so much.” He also extended his appreciation to the outgoing PNP Chief for steering the organization to what it is today, recognizing his dedication and the meaningful, positive impact he has made.
PLtGen Nartatez further emphasized his dreams and aspirations, highlighting his vision of a united police working collectively to serve and protect the Filipino people. “As I assume [the responsibility] to lead the PNP, I’m reminded of the dreams I harbored for a safer [and] more secure Philippines–a dream where my grandchildren and, indeed, all Filipino families can walk our streets without fear. In the coming years…, I’m committed to ensure that this institution stands greater than ever before, not only in terms of strength and efficiency but also in the trust and respect of the people,” he said.
Thereafter, he initially presented a leadership framework, which was comprehensively discussed during his first Command Conference on August 29. During the conference, PLtGen Nartatez laid down his 7-Point Agenda: (1) Employing Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), to carry out the standard operating procedures with maximum efficiency; (2) Sustaining the campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism, to root out those engaged in these unlawful activities; (3) Revisiting, improving, and implementing risk management plans at all levels, to enhance disaster management strategies and resilience; (4) Reviewing and strengthening security measures for vital installations and other areas of concern, which focuses on heightened police visibility and security measures; (5) Ensuring effective management of activities, events, festivities, and crowd control, by applying Civil Disturbance Management at all times; (6) Promoting the morale and welfare of personnel, through continuous education, recognition, and comprehensive reform programs; and (7) Strengthening the efficient management of human, material, and financial resources, to guarantee transparent and effective utilization.
It was also during the conference that the PNP Top Cop vowed to prioritize security preparations for the October 13 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has already enforced a gun ban in BARMM, effective from August 14 to October 28, while 94 municipalities in the region have been placed under the “red” category, indicating areas of grave concern.
The Command Conference marked the beginning of PLtGen Nartatez’s leadership, setting the tone for a stronger, more responsive, and community-centered PNP. Through his clear leadership roadmap, the organization is expected to adopt a proactive stance toward a more united and efficient police force.
Meanwhile, PLtGen Nartatez’s more than 30 years of dedicated service, marked by distinction, honor, and integrity, have made him worthy of his assumption as Acting PNP Chief. He has held several key positions, including: the Provincial Director of Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 4A CALABARZON, Director of PNP Finance Service, Regional Director of NCRPO, Director of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Director of the Directorate for Intelligence, Director of the Special Action Force, Director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Deputy Chief PNP for Administration in October 2024, and Commander of Area Police Command in Western Mindanao on August 6.
The new PNP Chief was born on March 19, 1971 in Santa, Ilocos Sur. He completed his primary and secondary education in Metro Manila before entering the Philippine Military Academy in 1988, and graduated as member of the Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992–the last PMA batch currently serving in the PNP. In addition, he holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
With this leadership transition, PNP’s commitment to serve and protect remains steadfast, reassuring the Filipino people of transparency, responsibility, and dedication in building safer and more secure communities in line with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas.
