Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has been promoted to the rank of police general, officially becoming the full-fledged chief of the Philippine National Police, following his oath-taking administered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The promotion, outlined in a memorandum from the PNP Chief of the Directorial Staff, elevates Nartatez to the four-star rank of police general, in line with Republic Act No. 6975, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act, which grants only the President the authority to appoint a full-fledged PNP chief.

The PNP also released a statement recognizing Nartatez’s elevation to the top post of the police force.

“This conferment reaffirms the Chief PNP’s steady direction in advancing the PNP Focused Agenda anchored on effective resource management, enhanced police operations, integrity monitoring, personnel morale and welfare, and strengthened community partnerships,” the statement said.

The PNP added that it remains firm in its commitment to lawful, accountable, and people-centered policing, in faithful service of peace, public safety, and the rule of law.

Nartatez had assumed the post in an acting capacity on 26 August 2025, replacing then PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, before being formally appointed and promoted as the country’s top police official.