PNP's Nartatez receives 4-star rank

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday formally received his fourth star, assuming the highest rank in the police force as Police General.

“Pormal nang nanumpa bilang hepe ng PNP si General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ngayong araw,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a Palace briefing.

(General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was formally sworn in as PNP chief today.)

“Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang panunumpa ni General Nartatez kaninang umaga sa Malacañang kasama ang kaniyang pamilya,” she added.

(President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the ceremony for General Nartatez this morning in Malacañang with his family.)

During his speech after the arrival ceremony at Camp Crame, Nartatez said “Before anything else, I would like to thank everyone, Team PNP, for the very warm welcome, my very first entry to the National Headquarters wearing the rank of four stars.”

“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 who serves whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes. I accept this responsibility with resolve and a clear sense of purpose,” he added.

In an ambush interview, Nartatez said Marcos ordered him to continue the ongoing work of the PNP, particularly in keeping communities safe and further reducing criminality nationwide.

Before transferring to Nartatez, former PNP chief Nicolas Torre III was holding the four-star rank.

Photo from PCO

The transition resolves a months-long situation in which Torre continued to hold the four-star rank despite being relieved as PNP chief and replaced by Nartatez in August 2025.

One of the reasons Torre was relieved as PNP chief was his defiance to an order of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on the reassignment of key officials. 

Torre in December 2025 has taken his oath as general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said that it would be a mandatory retirement for Torre ''if he chooses another job.''

NAPOLCOM vice chairperson and executive officer Ralph Calinisan has said that Torre “has ipso facto resigned from the police force.”

An order from the NAPOLCOM dated January 19, 2026 showed that Torre’s optional retirement became effective on December 26, 2025. 

However, Torre denied that he has filed or signed for his retirement.

On January 22, 2026, Malacañang said Torre is ready and willing to transfer his four-star rank to acting Nartatez.

Asked about his relationship with Torre, Nartatez said, “This is a unique organization. Officers come and go. Nandoon na siya sa retired and nandoon na siya sa ibang serbisyo, particularly the MMDA.”

(This is a unique organization. Officers come and go. He's already retired and he's already in other services, particularly the MMDA.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News