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.

In a statement, 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, » the commission stated.

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.

Napolcom’s Resolution No. 2025-0558 involves the following officials and positions:

— Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, who will remain Deputy Chief for Administration
— Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, who will remain director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)
— Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, who will head the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)
— Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, who will be assigned as the officer-in-charge of Area Police Command-Visayas.
— Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz Jr., designated at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit
— Brig. Gen. Kenneth Lucas, designated regional director of Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon)
— Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, designated as NCRPO deputy regional director for administration, NCRPO.
— Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, designated as regional director of PRO-12 (Soccsksargen)
— Brig Gen. 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
— Col. Arnold Rosero, named deputy director for administration of EOD K9 Group.

The order was signed by officials from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the commission.

« 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 the trust and reaffirmed his commitment to lead the PNP with integrity and resolve.

« We thank the President 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.

National Police Commission (Napolcom)

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is a government agency in the Philippines responsible for the administration and control of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It was established under Republic Act No. 6975 in 1990 to ensure a professional and accountable police service. The commission exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, overseeing its policies and promotions.

Philippine National Police (PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the national police force of the Philippines, established in its current form in 1991 through the merger of the Philippine Constabulary and the Integrated National Police. It is a civilian agency under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining peace and order across the country.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is the regional police force of the Philippine National Police (PNP) responsible for law enforcement in Metro Manila. It was formally established in the early 1990s following the major reorganization of the country’s police force. The NCRPO’s history is deeply tied to maintaining order and security in the nation’s bustling political and economic center.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is a premier investigative unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP). It was originally established in 1944 as the Philippines Constabulary’s Criminal Investigation Service (CIS) to handle major and complex criminal cases. Today, the CIDG is responsible for conducting anti-organized crime operations and investigating major crimes such as kidnapping, cybercrime, and economic fraud.

Area Police Command-Visayas

The Area Police Command-Visayas is a regional administrative division of the Philippine National Police (PNP) responsible for law enforcement across the Visayas islands. It was established as part of a nationwide reorganization to decentralize police command and improve operational efficiency. Its history is tied to the modern structure of the PNP, which was formed after the 1990 dissolution of the Philippine Constabulary and Integrated National Police.

Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon)

The Police Regional Office-4A, also known as PRO-Calabarzon, is the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the Calabarzon region. It was established as part of the PNP’s organizational structure to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. Its history is tied to the modern reorganization of the national police force following the passage of the 1991 PNP Law.

PRO-12 (Soccsksargen)

PRO-12 (Police Regional Office 12), also known as the Soccsksargen Police, is the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) serving the Soccsksargen region in Mindanao. It was established to maintain peace, order, and public safety in the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the city of General Santos. Its history is intertwined with the region’s development and ongoing efforts to ensure security amidst its unique cultural and geographical landscape.

Highway Patrol Group

The Highway Patrol Group is a specialized law enforcement unit within the Philippine National Police (PNP) responsible for ensuring public safety and enforcing traffic laws on the country’s major highways. It was formally established to address the growing need for traffic management and to respond to incidents on the national road network. Its history is tied to the evolution of the national police force, with its mandate focusing on accident response, crime prevention, and maintaining order on thoroughfares.