Manila: The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has issued a resolution reversing the reassignment of senior police officials, including the Deputy Chief for Administration, the second-highest post in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
According to Philippines News Agency, the Napolcom, through Resolution 2025-0531 dated August 14, ordered the PNP to reinstate Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez as Deputy Chief for Administration and Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac as Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao commander. The two officials had switched posts on August 6.
The resolution directs the PNP to "immediately issue corresponding orders implementing the above designations, assignments and reassignments." It emphasizes that any assignments without prior Napolcom review and confirmation "shall be deemed ineffective," and non-compliance will lead to administrative sanctions.
Additionally, around ten senior police officers were also ordered transferred. These include Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico, appointed as National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director, and Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, assigned as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director, among others.
The Napolcom cited its authority to exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act, Republic Act 6975. The Act allows Napolcom to review, approve, reverse, or modify personnel-related plans.
As of now, the PNP has not commented on the resolution, and no changes have been made to the national police force's assignments pending the issuance of new orders in line with the Napolcom resolution.
Following this development, the PNP Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) expressed its full support for PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, emphasizing his role as the first PNP Academy graduate to become PNP Chief. The association highlighted Torre's commitment to the rule of law and his vision for a service-oriented PNP.
The Police Regional Office 2 (Cagayan Valley) also voiced its support for Torre, underscoring the importance of unity of command and adherence to lawful directives in fulfilling their duty to safeguard lives, uphold the law, and serve the people.
