Marcos Jr names Nartatez as new PNP chief

Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez assumed office as the new head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday in a ceremony presided over by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to relieve Police Gen. Nicolas Torre III came after news broke that he had signed an order relieving Torre, who did not attend the turnover ceremony but acknowledged the order.

The National Police Commission's administrative control over the PNP was among the reasons for Torre's relief, as he previously disregarded a Napolcom resolution reversing his personnel assignments.

Lt. Gen. Nartatez emphasized in his assumption speech that Torre’s programs would continue and vowed to pursue proactive crime prevention and ensure public safety.

The President directed Remulla and Nartatez to present within one month a comprehensive citizen security strategy focusing on increasing police presence throughout the country.