Nartatez takes over as new PNP chief

Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) as he officially assumed the post during a ceremony at Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday.

Nartatez was named officer-in-charge of the police organization following the relief of former chief Police General Nicolas Torre III on the same day. 

The new PNP head graduated from the Philippine Military Academy as part of the Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992.

Nartatez served as the commander of the Area Police Command in Western Mindanao after he was reassigned from being the PNP’s deputy chief for administration on August 14. The APC appointment was later reversed by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

In 2023, he served as the director of the PNP directorate for comptrollership and intelligence, as well as the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Before this, he also worked as chief of Police Regional Office 4A.

Nartatez said during the assumption ceremony that he would work on innovating patrolling and investigation efforts of the PNP as well as continue Torre's five-minute response policy.

He also vowed to address cybercrimes, illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism.

Nartatez also committed to continuing to improve the morale of PNP personnel through continuous education, recognition, and comprehensive welfare programs.

Risk management as well as business continuity plans will be revisited, according to Nartatez. Security operations will also be reviewed to intensify protection of vital installations, he added.

“We must ensure or enhance our capabilities and secure protocols in managing public events and maintaining crowd control, ensuring the safety of all participants and the organizers as well,” Nartatez said.

“Lastly, we will rigorously implement integrity monitoring at all levels. To weed out rogues in service, integrity is the cornerstone of public service, essential in gaining the trust and confidence of the community,” he added. —KG/VBL, GMA Integrated News