THE National Police Commission (Napolcom) has officially affirmed the designation of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), replacing Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
In a statement on Monday, the Napolcom explained that the designation was necessary as Torre, “though relieved from his post,” continues to hold the four-star 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 ensure the continuity of leadership at the helm of the national police force,” said lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom vice-chairperson and executive officer.
Under Resolution No. 2025-0552, Napolcom said 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.
Covered by the Napolcom Resolution No. 2025-0558, issued on Monday were Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac who stays as deputy chief for administration, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin who remains as director of the National Capital Region Police Office, Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II who will head the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, who was named officer-in-charge of Area Police Command-Visayas, Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz Jr. who was reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, Brig. Gen. Kenneth Lucas who was designated regional director of Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon), Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky who was appointed as NCRPO deputy regional director for administration, Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, who was appointed regional director of PRO-12 (Soccsksargen), Brig Gen. William Segun who was also designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit
Col. Hansel Marantan who was named director of Highway Patrol Group, Col. Jonathan Abella who was named acting director of the Explosives and Ordnance and Disposal Group, and Col. Arnold Rosero, the 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,” the Napolcom said.
In a separate statement, Nartatez expressed gratitude for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the commission’s trust, while affirming his commitment to lead the PNP “with integrity and resolve.”
