New Leadership Sets Reform Vision for Philippine National Police
MANILA — Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. outlined his vision for a “Bagong PNP” on Tuesday, emphasizing reforms that focus on crime prevention, cybercrime response, anti-drug campaigns, and integrity within the 228,000-strong police force. His commitment to transformation aims to restore public trust and elevate the PNP’s service to Filipino communities.
Following the relief of Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Nartatez addressed the press at Camp Crame, affirming that his leadership will continue ongoing reforms while strengthening community engagement and accountability. “We want to regain the trust and confidence of the community by ensuring integrity in our organization,” he said, highlighting the importance of ethical policing.
Building on Existing Programs and Enhancing Responsiveness
Nartatez pledged to uphold initiatives started under his predecessor, such as community policing and the PNP’s enhanced response-time program, which aims to dispatch officers within three to five minutes during emergencies. However, he stressed that true responsiveness transcends mere timing benchmarks.
“Even before the three-minute or five-minute response time, our duty is to respond to any distress call from our community,” he emphasized, underscoring the PNP’s commitment to timely and effective assistance.
Strengthening Discipline and Accountability
Public trust, Nartatez noted, is deeply tied to a disciplined police force. He vowed to intensify efforts to remove corrupt elements and enforce strict accountability across all ranks. This approach aims to foster a culture of integrity and professionalism within the organization.
Addressing Emerging Threats in Cyberspace
Recognizing the increasing sophistication of criminals in digital spaces, Nartatez highlighted the need for adaptive cyber capabilities. “Our cyber capabilities must be responsive and should adapt to the latest threats,” he stated. He pledged proactive crime prevention through rapid response and agile risk management systems to counter emerging cyber risks effectively.
Targeting Persistent Drivers of Crime
The officer-in-charge reaffirmed the PNP’s focus on combating illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism, which remain major contributors to violent crime. He pointed out that many offenses are linked to narcotics and often involve firearms, making these areas crucial to his agenda.
Supporting Police Welfare and Institutional Strengthening
To sustain morale and professionalism, Nartatez emphasized continuing education, recognition, and welfare programs for police personnel. Additionally, he committed to enhancing security in vital installations, improving crowd control during major events, and strengthening overall risk management frameworks.
“Through proactive policing strategies and strategic partnerships, we will ensure the swift apprehension and prosecution of offenders, sending a clear message that crime will not go unpunished,” he affirmed.
Institutional Integrity and Leadership Transition
A memorandum dated August 25 from Malacañang, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, directed the relief of Gen. Nicolas Torre III to maintain continuous and efficient public service delivery in the PNP. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla clarified that Torre’s removal was not punitive but aimed at upholding institutional integrity due to procedural lapses in senior officer assignments.
Remulla cited a National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution that recalled and modified several high-level designations made by Torre, including those involving Nartatez. The resolution was grounded in constitutional and legal provisions granting Napolcom administrative control over the police force.
“We are a country of laws, not of men. The integrity of the institution must be upheld according to the spirit of the law,” Remulla stated, underscoring the importance of legal compliance in police administration.
Maintaining Stability Amid Changes
Nartatez downplayed any rumors of discord within the PNP, describing his appointment as part of the natural chain of command. “The Philippine National Police is a dynamic organization. We are covered by orders, we are covered by policies,” he remarked. “As a fine Filipino public servant, sometimes as a soldier, we just follow orders. This is a general order.”
Before assuming his current role, Nartatez served as deputy chief for administration, the PNP’s second-highest post. His reassignment to the Area Police Command in Western Mindanao was later overturned by Napolcom, reflecting the ongoing adjustments in leadership roles.
Future Prospects for Former Chief Torre
Torre, still under the mandatory retirement age of 56, remains in active service and may be reassigned. Remulla expressed confidence in Torre’s capabilities and experience, indicating potential future roles within the government.
Notably, Torre was the first PNP chief from the Philippine National Police Academy, breaking a tradition of Philippine Military Academy graduates leading the force. His successor, Nartatez, is a PMA graduate, marking a return to that lineage.
Commitment to Community Protection and Reform
As Nartatez formally took command, he reiterated that his tenure will prioritize continuity, discipline, and reforms designed to safeguard communities. “We follow orders, we move forward, and we serve the people,” he concluded, signaling a determined approach to public safety and institutional integrity.
For more news and updates on Philippine National Police reforms, visit Filipinokami.com.
