Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday formally assumed office as full-fledged PNP chief after Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administered his oath of office in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace.

President Marcos congratulated Nartatez on his appointment and expressed support as he takes on the responsibilities and challenges of leading the police force.

In a statement, the Philippine National Police said the conferment of the rank of Police General, making Nartatez a four-star general, underscores the confidence and trust placed in his leadership as the 32nd PNP chief.

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

"Under his leadership, the PNP stands firm in its commitment to lawful, accountable, and people-centered policing, in faithful service of peace, public safety, and the rule of law," it added.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government also extended its congratulations to Nartatez.

"Even while serving in an acting capacity, General Nartatez demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in guiding the 228,000-strong men and women of the PNP. His proven competence and commitment assure us that he will continue to lead the police force with discipline, integrity, and resolve," the DILG said.

"The DILG reaffirms its full support for General Nartatez as he advances efforts to restore professionalism within the ranks and uphold public trust in law enforcement. Together, we look forward to building a police force that embodies honor, service, and accountability," it added.

Nartatez has held several key leadership posts, including PNP deputy chief for administration from 2024 to 2025; director of the National Capital Region Police Office from 2023 to 2024; regional director of Police Regional Office IV-A Calabarzon from 2022 to 2023; and Ilocos Norte police provincial director from 2016 to 2018.

Since joining the police force in 1992, he has served in various critical roles, including director for comptrollership and intelligence, member of the elite PNP Special Action Force, and member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. In 2006, he was promoted to police lieutenant colonel in recognition of exceptional service.

Nartatez is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 and holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

Upon his arrival at Camp Crame, Nartatez thanked PNP personnel for the welcome.

"Everyone, Team Philippine National Police, for the very warm welcome, my very first entry to the National Headquarters wearing the rank of four stars," he said.

"I stand before you entrusted with the full command of the Philippine National Police, fully aware that this responsibility rests on the discipline, professionalism and sacrifices of every police officer who serves whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes. I accept this responsibility with resolve and a clear sense of purpose. My career has taught me one constant truth: policing must be firm, fair and anchored on integrity. These are not slogans, these are standards. They will guide my leadership as Chief of the Philippine National Police," Nartatez said.

"We will advance enhanced managing police operations through intelligence-driven and risk-based policing. We will act decisively against illegal drugs, loose firearms and terrorism. We will strengthen security for vital installation, manage crowds effectively and anticipate threats before they place our communites at risk. We will manage our resources with strict accountability so that manpower, logistics and funding directly serve police operations. We will strengthen morale and welfare because discipline and motivation are operational necessities, not privileges. We will enforce integrity at all levels because public trust is built by conduct and loss of tolerance of wrongdoing," he added.

Nartatez also thanked the media in an ambush interview.

"Of course magpasalamat ako sa inyo for covering my very first arrival at national headquarters Camp Crame wearing the 4-star rank leading the PNP," he said.

Asked about Gen. Torre, Nartatez said, "this is a unique organization di ba? Officers come and go but nagkataong nandun na siya sa retired and nandun na siya sa ibang serbisyo particularly the MMDA."