Manila: Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez announced on Wednesday that he has initiated an audit of all PNP units, alongside a review of the organization’s policies regarding deployment and appointments. The announcement took place during a briefing at Camp Crame, where Nartatez refrained from providing a specific timeline or details on who will conduct the audit.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized the need for strategic placement of personnel within the PNP, especially during major operations or missions within their jurisdiction. This approach underscores his commitment to ensuring that key positions are filled appropriately to enhance operational efficacy.
Nartatez’s appointment as the new acting chief follows the removal of former PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla cited Torre’s controversial August 6 revamp order as a significant factor in his relief. In his new role, Nartatez plans to implement several reassignments, starting with appointing a new PNP spokesperson from the Public Information Office, currently led by Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, who served as the PNP spokesperson under Torre, has been assisting with financial management at the Directorate for Comptrollership. Nartatez indicated that Fajardo would no longer serve as spokesperson, although no official order has been issued yet.
Nartatez expressed his intention to adhere to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) resolution that annulled Torre’s revamp order. He highlighted the importance of following Napolcom’s directives, as it functions as the PNP’s oversight body and custodian of policies. Some officials affected by Torre’s order are expected to resume their previous roles.
In response to Nartatez’s commitment, the Napolcom welcomed his pledge to comply with Resolution 2025-0531. Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan acknowledged this as a positive development, emphasizing the importance of institutional respect and constitutional checks and balances.
Previously, Torre had disregarded a Napolcom resolution reversing his order to reassign several PNP officials, including Nartatez, who was then the Deputy Chief for Administration. Torre had reassigned Nartatez to switch roles with Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac, then commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao. The Napolcom subsequently invalidated Torre’s revamp order.
