PNP Officer-in-Charge Commits to Normal Procedure for Napolcom Order
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez affirmed that the National Police Commission’s (Napolcom) order to revise several appointments made by his predecessor will be handled through the normal procedure. This statement highlights the importance of following established protocols amid ongoing leadership changes.
Nartatez, who assumed his position after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relieved Gen. Nicolas Torre III, emphasized the significance of adhering to proper processes in personnel decisions. “About the reshuffle, about placement, we will go with the normal procedure. There’s a process. Especially with our former chief PNP giving the order, of course, there’s a procedure there,” he said during an interview at Camp Crame.
Leadership Transition and Appointment Controversies
The controversy began when, in an August 6 order, then-Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre reassigned Lt. Gen. Nartatez from his role as Deputy Chief for Administration to head the APC Western Mindanao, effectively removing him from the PNP’s second-highest post. This move sparked questions about procedural compliance.
Subsequently, Napolcom issued a directive instructing Torre to reinstate Nartatez. The commission maintained in Resolution 2025-0531, dated August 14, that the PNP failed to secure its approval for the appointment of third-level officers. “Any designation, assignments, [and] reassignments without prior review and confirmation of the Napolcom shall be deemed ineffective. Non-compliance with the requirements herein prescribed shall subject accountable officers to administrative sanctions,” the commission stated.
Support and Internal Disputes Within the PNP
Despite the tension, the chiefs of all PNP regional offices expressed their support for Gen. Torre in a manifesto on August 15. Torre later remarked that “no order can break the police force’s unity,” underscoring the solidarity within the ranks amid the controversy.
On August 18, Torre claimed that the dispute between the PNP and Napolcom had been resolved internally. However, Napolcom Executive Officer Rafael Calinisan reportedly denied any knowledge of such discussions, indicating that the matter remains unsettled in official circles.
Officer-in-Charge’s Perspective on Changes and Service
Lt. Gen. Nartatez also acknowledged the fluid nature of police appointments, noting that changes are part of the service. “If there are changes, like I said, officers come and go. We always serve at the trust and confidence of the appointing authority,” he said, reinforcing the principle that police officers serve under the mandate of current leadership.
As the PNP navigates these leadership and appointment challenges, the commitment to follow established procedures remains central to maintaining order and trust within the force.
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