Manila: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has formally affirmed the designation of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), replacing Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
According to Philippines News Agency, Napolcom explained that the designation was necessary as Torre, "though relieved from his post," continues to hold the rank of Police General - a rank that by law can only be vested in a single officer at a time. "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," lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom's vice-chairperson and executive officer, said.
Under Resolution No. 2025-0552, Napolcom stated that Nartatez, as acting PNP chief, "is fully vested with legal authority to exercise and discharge all powers, prerogatives, and responsibilities of the Chief of the PNP." Meanwhile, the Napolcom also confirmed the "designation, assignment and reassignment" of 12 senior PNP officials.
Napolcom's Resolution No. 2025-0558 involves the following officials and positions: Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac will remain Deputy Chief for Administration; Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin will remain director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO); Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II will head the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano will be assigned as the officer-in-charge of Area Police Command-Visayas; Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz Jr. is designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit; Brig. Gen. Kenneth Lucas is the regional director of Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon); Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky is designated as NCRPO deputy regional director for administration, NCRPO; Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente is the regional director of PRO-12 (Soccsksargen); Brig Gen. William Segun is designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit; Col. Hansel Marantan is the director of Highway Patrol Group; Col. Jonathan Abella is named acting director of the Explosiv es and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 Group; and Col. Arnold Rosero is named deputy director for administration of EOD K9 Group.
The order was signed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Calinisan, and Nartatez. "This latest round of appointments reflects Napolcom's continuing exercise of its power of control over the PNP, aimed at ensuring strong leadership, efficient command, and effective law enforcement across the country," Napolcom said.
In a separate statement, Nartatez expressed gratitude for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the commission's trust, and reaffirmed his commitment to lead the PNP with integrity and resolve. "We thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Napolcom for the trust and confidence vested in me and our senior officers," he said. "These affirmations and confirmations guarantee stability in leadership and continuity in service," Nartatez added.
