The people of Santa, Ilocos Sur, are celebrating the appointment of their own, PLtGen. Jose Melencio “Tateng” Nartatez Jr., as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on August 26, 2025.

Born in Barangay Mabilbila Sur, Nartatez has long been admired in his hometown. Santa Vice Mayor Jesus Bueno Jr. recalled their families’ long history of friendship.

“Mas matanda ako sa kaniya. He’s still young. They’re family friends here in Santa, Ilocos Sur. I know their parents, because they supported my father during the 60’s ni Manong Melencio and his uncle, then General Eberlino Nartatez,” Bueno said.

The vice mayor described Nartatez’s appointment as destiny and expressed confidence in his leadership.

“Base sa performance ni General Nartatez ay talagang sterling. Actually, nandoon ako sa Camp Crame noong panahong ‘yun, I think the first batch ng donning niya sa 3-star niya,” he said.

The provincial government of Ilocos Sur also praised Nartatez for bringing honor to the province.

Before his appointment, Nartatez served as Regional Director of the Calabarzon Police and the Ilocos Norte Police. At Camp Crame, he worked in the Finance Service before becoming Director of Comptrollership and Intelligence. He was also a member of the elite PNP Special Action Force under the CIDG and later rose to Deputy Chief for Administration in October 2024, the second-highest post in the PNP.

A proud member of the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992, Nartatez’s career is decades of service and leadership in law enforcement.

For many in Ilocos Sur, Nartatez’s appointment is both a source of pride and hope for the direction of the national police force.