MANILA – The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has officially confirmed Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), succeeding Gen. Nicolas Torre III. The proclamation,made Monday,addresses a unique situation created by Torre retaining the rank of Police General – a rank legally limited to one officer at a time – despite being relieved of his post.
According to Napolcom, the designation of Nartatez ensures uninterrupted leadership of the national police force and falls under its constitutional mandate to administer and control the PNP. Lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom’s vice-chairperson and executive officer, stated the move “underscores Napolcom’s constitutional mandate…and ensures the continuity of leadership.”
Resolution No. 2025-0552 grants Nartatez “full legal authority to exercise and discharge all powers, prerogatives, and responsibilities of the Chief of the PNP.”
Alongside the confirmation of the new PNP chief, napolcom also announced the designation, assignment, and reassignment of 12 senior PNP officials via Resolution No. 2025-0558. Key appointments include: lt. Gen. Bernard Banac remaining as Deputy Chief for Administration; Maj. Gen.Anthony Aberin continuing as director of the National Capital Region Police office (NCRPO); and Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II heading the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Other appointments saw changes in leadership for Area Police Command-Visayas, Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon), NCRPO, PRO-12 (Soccsksargen), Highway Patrol group, and the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 Group.
The order was signed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla,Calinisan,and Nartatez. Napolcom emphasized that these appointments demonstrate its ongoing authority over the PNP, aiming for “strong leadership, efficient command, and effective law enforcement.”
Nartatez expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Napolcom for their trust, pledging to lead the PNP “with integrity and resolve.” He affirmed that the confirmations “guarantee stability in leadership and continuity in service.”
