Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. on Thursday said his promotion does not signal a sweeping reshuffle of senior police officials following his elevation as the 32nd Chief of the PNP.

“There is no abrupt or sweeping reshuffle. Any movement will be orderly, well-planned, and based on organizational needs,” Nartatez said, stressing that stability will be maintained within the organization and that leadership movements remain part of normal police service.

Nartatez said existing anti-crime and community safety directives will remain in place, noting that continuity will be ensured in key operational units handling major crime, counterterrorism, and internal security.

“Leadership movement in the PNP is a normal process. Promotions, retirements, and operational requirements naturally result in adjustments. What’s important is that our work continues without disruption,” he added.

He called on senior officers and rank-and-file personnel to remain focused on their mandates, emphasizing that discipline, professionalism, and service to the public remain core priorities under his leadership.

“Regardless of assignment, our duty to serve and protect remains the same. Performance, integrity, and the needs of the service will always be the basis. We are focused on ensuring the right people are in the right positions,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez took his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on January 28 and pledged to deliver visible and trusted service during the celebration of PNP Day on Thursday.

He expressed gratitude for the guidance of the President, saying it serves as a reminder of the PNP’s mandate to serve the Filipino people under civilian authority.

“Ang patuloy na paggabay sa atin ng ating Pangulo ay patunay na ang serbisyo ng pulisya ay dapat nakatuon sa tao at sa komunidad habang pinapangalagaan natin ang integridad at propesyonalismo ng organisasyon,” Nartatez said.

In a video message for PNP Day, Marcos urged the police organization to provide a “visible, disciplined, and trusted” service, while underscoring that law enforcement must remain under civilian authority.

In response, Nartatez said the PNP would fully live up to the President’s directive.

“We take to heart the President’s call for a visible, disciplined, and trusted police service. Ang mensahe ng ating Pangulo ay patunay na ang serbisyo ng pulisya ay dapat nakatuon sa tao at sa komunidad, habang pinapangalagaan ang integridad at propesyonalismo,” he said.

“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 added.

The PNP chief said police work has become increasingly demanding since the organization’s establishment on January 29, 1991 under Republic Act 6975, citing the evolving security environment in the country.

“As Chief of the PNP, I commit to ensuring that every Filipino will experience prompt, respectful, and competent police service. This includes further improving operational capability and enforcing accountability,” he said.

“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 lauded PNP personnel for their efforts to deliver people-centered service and ensure public safety over the years, reiterating the organization’s commitment to peace and order.

“As Chief, I will lead this organization in faithful service to the Constitution. I will enforce the rule of law without fear or favor. Professionalism, discipline and integrity are not optional, they are expected,” he said.