Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., has given a warning to personnel who accept bribes and those who will not support the programs of the organization.

“A matter of giving instruction. I would like to share a bible verse: ‘Do not accept bribe because bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twist the words of the righteous’,” Nartatez said.

He also ordered disciplinary action on personnel who will not support the programs of the organization.

“I’m directing the regional director to disciple those who are not present here that are member of the national support unit. They are supposed to be your support group. And they are under operation control not administrative operational control,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez made the statements after he led the assumption of office of the new director of the Police Regional Office-SOCCSKSARGEN (PRO-12), Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Ardiente said he will implement the instruction of the PNP chief.

“We have to obey or comply, or align with guidance and instruction of the chief PNP, as expected naman talaga. No police officer should accept bribe,” Ardiente said.

Ardiente once assumed as the top cop in the region on November 26, 2024. He was replaced by Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz on July 30, 2025.

Ardiente is now back as PRO-12 chief after Macapaz was suspended. The PNP has yet to disclose the reason for Macapaz’ suspension.

“It’s so happened that this regional office ay naging vacant because why the RD Macapaz was suspended for 90 days, and so the assumption of office na ay ang ating RD Ardiente. The PNP has followed the process and due deliberation has been made. Yun yung bettings so that’s why he has been installed,” Nartatez said.