The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has affirmed the designation of LtGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), replacing Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

In a statement on Monday, Napolcom said 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.

Napolcom confirms Lt. Gen. Nartatez as acting PNP chief

“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,” Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom’s vice chairman and executive officer, said.

Under Resolution 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.

Napolcom’s Resolution 2025-0558, issued on Monday, involves the following officials and positions: LtGen. Bernard Banac, who will remain Deputy Chief for Administration; MGen. Anthony Aberin, who will remain director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO); MGen. Robert Alexander Morico II, who will head the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); BGen. Christopher Abrahano, who will be assigned as the officer-in-charge of Area Police Command-Visayas; BGen. Romeo Macapaz Jr., designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit; BGen. Kenneth Lucas, designated regional director of Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon); BGen. Jack Wanky, designated as NCRPO deputy regional director for administration, NCRPO; BGen. Arnold Ardiente, designated as regional director of PRO-12 (Soccsksargen); BGen. William Segun, designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit; Col. Hansel Marantan, designated director of Highway Patrol Group; Col. Jonathan Abella, named acting director of the Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) K9 Group; and Col. Arnold Rosero, named deputy director for administration of EOD K9 Group., This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.com

The order was signed by Interior and Local Government 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 thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the commission’s trust, and reaffirmed his commitment to lead the PNP with integrity and resolve.

Napolcom confirms Lt. Gen. Nartatez as acting PNP chief