Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday underscored the role of the Philippine Military Academy in shaping police leadership, as the organization transitions from PMA-led chiefs to graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy.

Nartatez said the shift signals growth and positive transformation within the police force, not the end of an era.

“There are plenty of dedicated and hardworking PNP officers with different leadership styles but with one collective goal: to make every street and community safer and to make our country a much better place to live in,” said Nartatez, a member of the PMA “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992.

“If I am indeed among the last from the Long Gray Line to serve as Chief PNP, I see it not as an ending but as a transition. It is a natural and welcome evolution. While I am proud to be part of the ‘Long Gray Line,’ the mission has always been bigger than the school we attended,” he added.

The PNP has historically been led by graduates of the Philippine Military Academy, known as the “Long Gray Line.” However, leadership has gradually shifted to officers trained at the Philippine National Police Academy, the country’s premier training institution for police, fire and jail officers.

Nartatez said the history of the PNP does not rest solely on its leaders or their academic background.

“The history of the PNP as an organization was also defined, strengthened and transformed into what it is now by both small and great good deeds, law enforcement excellence, and sacrifices and dedication of all policemen on the frontline services — our personnel on the ground,” he said.

“The lessons learned from the past and the daily challenges that every policeman face play a key role in the continuous improvement and professionalism of the PNP as an organization,” he added.

Nartatez said his years at PMA shaped his leadership of the 230,000-strong police force, particularly in instilling discipline and accountability as foundations of command responsibility.

He also emphasized that PMA’s core values remain central to modern policing.

“Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty. These aren't just words carved in stone at Fort del Pilar, they are the vaccine against corruption and apathy. In today’s world of ‘fake news’ and complex crimes, integrity is our greatest asset,” Nartatez said.

The PNP chief attended the PMA alumni homecoming in Baguio City on Saturday.