Napolcom order sparks tempest

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has issued a resolution reversing the reassignment of senior police officials, including the Deputy Chief for Administration, the second-highest position in the Philippine National Police, which stirred up a storm within the police force.

The Napolcom, through Resolution 2025-0531 dated 14 August, a copy of which was obtained by reporters on Friday, ordered the PNP to bring Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez back as deputy chief for administration and Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac back as Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao commander.

Banac and Nartatez had switched posts on 6 August.

“The Napolcom hereby directs the PNP to immediately issue corresponding orders implementing the above designations, assignments and reassignments,” the resolution read.

Top police officials and alumni of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) immediately reacted to the Napolcom move as they closed ranks in an extraordinary show of unity.

A manifesto stated that it was issued to defend PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III and the sanctity of PNP’s chain of command, and the rule of law.

In manifestos issued across commands, they condemned the Napolcom resolution as abusive as it overturned an order issued under the Chief PNP’s authority.

Police community backs Torre

PNP regional directors, heads of national support units, more than 1,700 Highway Patrol Group (HPG) officers, the PNPA Alumni Association, the Association of Police Officers via Lateral Entry (APOLE) Inc., and the PNPA Patnubay Class of 1995 reaffirmed their “full, firm, and unwavering support” for Torre.

They stressed that their stand is about safeguarding the integrity of the office he holds, defending institutional stability, and shielding the organization from destabilizing encroachments.

The Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. — composed of active and retired officers from the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology issued the unified statement.

The groups praised Torre as the first Lakan Chief PNP, saying he has exemplified the academy’s core ideals of justice, integrity, and service throughout his career.