Police General Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. formally took his oath as the 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and was conferred the rank of four-star general during a ceremony at Malacañang Palace on January 28, 2026.
The oath-taking marked a significant milestone in the career of PGen Nartatez, symbolizing the President’s trust and confidence in his leadership as he takes the helm of the country’s premier law enforcement agency. Following the ceremony, Arrival Honors were accorded to him in front of the PNP National Headquarters at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City.
The PNP Top Cop was warmly welcomed by the PNP Command Group led by Police Lieutenant General Bernard M. Banac, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, along with members of the Directorial Staff, Directors of National Support Units, and other key PNP officials. The ceremonial honors were led by Honor Guard Commander Police Brigadier General Christopher M. Abecia, Director of the Headquarters Support Service, and were witnessed by personnel from Crame-based PNP units, reflecting their continued support and respect for his leadership.
Also present during the ceremony were the Chief PNP’s mother, Mrs. Josefina Nartatez; his wife, Mrs. Mary Rose O. Nartatez; their children; his classmates from the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992; as well as members of the media and other guests. The occasion formally marked the beginning of his tenure as Chief, PNP.
In his inaugural address, PGen Nartatez expressed his deepest gratitude to President Marcos for the opportunity to lead the organization and for the trust and confidence placed in him, noting that the milestone reflects a shared vision of a modern, disciplined, and people-centered police force.
He also emphasized the weight of the responsibility entrusted to him and acknowledged the collective sacrifices of police officers across the country, stating: “I stand before you entrusted with the full command of the Philippine National Police, fully aware that this responsibility rests on the discipline, professionalism, and sacrifices of every police officer, whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes. I accept this responsibility with resolve and a clear sense of purpose.”
Drawing from his years of service, the PNP Chief underscored that effective policing must always be firm and fair, and anchored on integrity—principles he described not as slogans, but as standards that will guide his leadership.
“Our dedication is set by the PNP Focused Agenda, aligned with the national vision of Bagong Pilipinas and carried by our institutional commitment, Bagong PNP sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” he said.
Under his leadership, PNP will advance enhanced police operations through intelligence-driven and risk-based policing. He vowed decisive action against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism, as well as strengthened security for vital installations, effective crowd management, and proactive threat anticipation to protect communities.
The PNP Chief also highlighted the importance of responsible resource management, ensuring that manpower, logistics, and funding directly support police operations. He committed to strengthening morale and welfare, stressing that discipline and motivation are operational necessities rather than privileges.
Integrity, he emphasized, will be enforced at all levels, recognizing that public trust is earned through proper conduct and zero tolerance for wrongdoing.
“As Chief, I will lead this organization in faithful service to the Constitution. I will enforce the rule of law without fear or favor. Professionalism, discipline, and integrity are not optional—they are expected,” PGen Nartatez said.
He concluded his message by calling for unity and collective commitment among PNP personnel, expressing confidence that, together, they can build an organization that is operationally capable, morally upright, and truly responsive to the people they are sworn to serve and protect.
