Nartatez: Newly installed acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez on Wednesday assured the public that the change in leadership will not cause a crisis within the police organization even as the turnover went smoothly.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez, in a TV interview, revealed he has yet to talk to former PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III after the change in the force’s leadership, but added that he might meet Torre at the Office of the PNP chief at Camp Crame on Wednesday. Nartatez emphasized that the turnover was smooth and there were no signs of a crisis within the organization. Commanders have been ensuring that their offices are intact and functioning normally.
The new PNP chief vowed to focus on the morale and welfare of police officers through education and other programs that would improve the professionalism of the uniformed personnel. He also promised to be tough against erring cops by implementing integrity monitoring at all levels to maintain public trust and confidence.
Nartatez aims to enhance police capabilities in combating cybercrime, which is becoming more prevalent. He stressed the importance of adapting to the latest cyber threats and trends by establishing mechanisms to address emerging threats swiftly.
In addition to cybercrime, Nartatez plans to prioritize strategic deployment to increase police visibility in communities as part of crime prevention measures. This will be supported by investigative solutions to ensure the apprehension and conviction of offenders. Efforts against illegal drugs, loose firearms, and terrorism will continue, with a focus on securing vital installations in the country.
Nartatez intends to maintain the five-minute police response program initiated by his predecessor to ensure timely intervention and protection for the public. He also called on all PNP members to collaborate to achieve President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of a safe and secure community.
In a radio interview, Nartatez urged police officers to maintain physical fitness by passing a physical fitness test (PFT) and achieving a normal body mass index (BMI). He highlighted the importance of the periodic health and physical fitness program of the PNP in ensuring that officers meet these standards.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that Nartatez faces a big challenge as the new PNP officer-in-charge. Lacson noted that Torre earned the public’s trust with policies such as the five-minute response time rule for police. However, questions remain about Torre’s relief, which could have been avoided with better coordination with the National Police Commission (Napolcom).
Lacson suggested revisiting the PNP Law to prevent situations where a relieved PNP chief outranks his successor. He mentioned that Torre’s failure to comply with Napolcom’s directive regarding the reshuffle of senior police officials may have contributed to his relief.
Despite these challenges, Lacson expressed confidence that the PNP is a professional organization that will follow legal orders from the chain of command. The relief of Torre, he noted, is the sole prerogative of the President as commander-in-chief.
