DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla – Photo courtesy of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)/Facebook.
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Plt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. may soon be promoted to the four-star rank of police general, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday.
Remulla noted that the promotion could take place next week, though President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to set a schedule for the formal ceremony. The event is expected to include a proper turnover of responsibilities.
The development follows the optional retirement of former PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, approved by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on January 19. Torre’s retirement clears the way for Nartatez to assume the full rank traditionally reserved for the PNP chief.
Under Section 31(d) of Republic Act No. 9675, the appointment of a police general is made by the President. Remulla emphasized that the promotion is part of broader efforts to maintain stability and unity within the police force.
Torre has been invited to hand over the PNP flag to Nartatez during the ceremony, which may also serve to confer retirement honors for the outgoing general. Remulla said the gesture is intended to unify the ranks and strengthen ties between the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Nartatez, a member of the PMA Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, has been serving in an acting capacity since Torre’s relief last August, following a dispute with Napolcom. Torre, the first alumnus of the PNPA to serve as PNP chief, is now the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager.
Remulla added that he and Torre have maintained communication since the transition and that both have “moved on” from past disagreements. The upcoming promotion is seen as a key step in ensuring continuity in the leadership of the PNP.