MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has issued a directive to reverse the recent assignment involving the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) deputy chief for administration, the force’s second highest position. This key decision aims to restore the original placements of senior officers following a controversial personnel shuffle.
Initially, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., who served as deputy chief for administration, was reassigned as Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao commander under a PNP headquarters order dated August 6. Conversely, Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, then APC Western Mindanao commander, was named the new deputy chief for administration in that same directive.
Napolcom Reinstates Original Assignments
However, a copy of Napolcom Resolution 2025-0531 dated August 14, reviewed by sources, reveals that the commission mandated the immediate reinstatement of Nartatez to his former role as deputy chief for administration. Simultaneously, Banac is to return to his previous post as APC Western Mindanao commander.
“The Napolcom hereby directs the PNP to immediately issue corresponding orders implementing the above designations, assignments and reassignments,” the resolution states. It further emphasizes that any personnel changes made without prior Napolcom review and confirmation will be considered invalid. Officials noted that failure to comply with these provisions could lead to administrative sanctions against responsible officers.
Confirmation and Current Status
Atty. Rafael Calinisan, Napolcom’s vice chairperson and executive officer, confirmed the document’s authenticity in a message to community members. Meanwhile, a PNP insider, preferring to remain anonymous, shared that no official orders reflecting the reversal have been issued yet, pending the police force’s response to the commission’s resolution.
Additional Officer Transfers Ordered
The same resolution also detailed the transfer of ten other high-ranking officers across various commands and units. These include:
- APC Visayas Commander Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director
- NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Director
- CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano to APC Visayas Officer-in-Charge
- NCRPO Deputy Director for Administration Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas to Police Regional Office Calabarzon (PRO-4A) Director
- PRO-4A Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky to NCRPO Deputy Director for Administration
- Police Regional Office Soccsksargen (PRO-12) Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz to Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU)
- APC Visayas Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente to PRO-12 Director
- Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Director Brig. Gen. William Segun to PHAU
- Peace Process and Development Center Chief Col. Hansel Marantan to HPG Director
- Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine (EOD/K9) Deputy Director for Administration Col. Jonathan Abella (currently in PHAU) to EOD/K9 Acting Director
- EOD/K9 Acting Director Col. Arnold Rosero to EOD/K9 Deputy Director for Administration
Legal Basis for Napolcom’s Authority
The resolution cites the National Police Commission’s authority under Republic Act 6975, known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act, which grants Napolcom administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP. Although the PNP chief holds the power to direct personnel deployment, the law explicitly empowers Napolcom to review, approve, modify, or reverse personnel-related decisions.
Local sources at Camp Crame have sought additional statements from PNP officials regarding the resolution but have yet to receive a response.
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