By Brian Campued
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) formally adopted a resolution, fully vesting PLt.Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. with legal authority to exercise and discharge all powers, prerogatives, and responsibilities as acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In a statement Monday, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Ralph Calinisan explained that Nartatez’s designation was necessary as former chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III continues to hold the rank of Police General—a rank that by law can only be vested in a single officer at a time.
Torre was relieved from his post on Aug. 25, while Nartatez assumed command of the PNP in a ceremony at Camp Crame the following day.
The Resolution No. 2025-0552 was adopted by Napolcom, chaired by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Jonvic Remulla, on Aug. 27.
“This move underscores Napolcom’s constitutional mandate to administer and control the PNP and ensures the continuity of leadership at the helm of the national police force,” Calinisan said in the statement.
In a separate statement, Nartatez reiterated his commitment to ensuring effective law enforcement across the country under his leadership.
“Lubos nating pinasasalamatan si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at ang Napolcom sa tiwala at kumpiyansa na kanilang ibinigay sa akin at sa ating mga senior officers. Ang pagkumpirmang ito ay nagsisiguro ng katatagan sa pamumuno at pagpapatuloy ng serbisyo,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Napolcom en banc, in its session on Monday, also confirmed, through the Resolution No. 2025-0558, the designation, assignment, and reassignment of several senior officials:
- PLt.Gen. Bernard Banac – Acting Deputy Chief for Administration
- PMGen. Robert Alexander Morico II – Acting Director, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)
- PMGen. Anthony Aberin – Regional Director, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)
- PBGen. Christopher Abrahano – Officer-in-Charge Commander, Area Police Command (APC) Visayas
- PBGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas – Regional Director, Police Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON)
- PBGen. Jack Wanky – Deputy Regional Director for Administration, NCRPO
- PBGen. Romeo Macapaz – Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit
- PBGen. Arnold Ardiente – Regional Director, Police Regional Office 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN)
- PBGen. William Segun – Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit
- PCol. Hansel M. Marantan – Acting Director, Highway Patrol Group (HPG)
- PCol. Jonathan Abella – Acting Director, Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 Group
- PCol. Arnold A. Rosero – Deputy Director for Administration, EOD K9 Group
Torre, who was also placed under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit following his relief, has gone on a month-long leave starting Aug. 28.
-jpv
