Former Ilocos Norte provincial police director Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has been appointed as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, replacing Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who was unceremoniously relieved after just nearly three months in office.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary (DILG) Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla announced this development after a document made rounds Tuesday on Nartatez’s appointment signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Bersamin earlier confirmed that Torre has been relieved and directed to ensure the proper turnover of all matters, documents, and information relative to his office to maintain the efficient delivery of public service.
Nartatez previously served as the top cop in Ilocos Norte, a political stronghold of the Marcoses, and rose as PNP Deputy Chief for Administration. Things, however, changed for him under Torre’s leadership, which became the subject of reported internal struggles in the national police force.
Torre reassigned Nartatez as Area Police Commander for Western Mindanao two weeks ago, switching posts with Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac. This apparently did not sit well with some circles and was even rejected by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
According to reports, this led to a serious rift between Remulla and Torre. The DILG chief is scheduled to appear in a press conference this morning to shed light on this matter.
