The Philippine National Police (PNP) will observe its 34th year of existence on 29 January, and many operatives at Camp Crame are wondering whether the occasion will also mark the donning of the four-star rank for Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Nartatez is currently a three-star general holding the top police post in an acting capacity after replacing then PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who held a four-star rank. Under PNP rules, only one official is allowed to hold a four-star rank at any given time.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said on Monday, during a press briefing, that the proper turnover ceremony for the new PNP chief and the donning of the four-star rank for Nartatez may take place during the PNP anniversary celebration. However, he noted that this would still depend on the availability of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The donning of the four-star rank was earlier hampered by the fact that Torre, who was replaced as PNP chief, had yet to relinquish his four-star rank. This issue was later clarified after Malacañang and the National Police Commission announced that Torre had availed himself of optional retirement. His appointment as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also required him to give up his PNP post—something Torre had reportedly been reluctant to acknowledge.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, for his part, said Nartatez is set to receive his four-star rank this week following the official retirement of his predecessor.
“Wala pang schedule si Presidente (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.), siya mismo ang magdo-don. Siguro anytime next week may donning na siya at saka proper turnover,” Remulla told reporters at Camp Crame last Wednesday.
He added that Torre is now officially classified as retired from the PNP following his acceptance of the MMDA general manager post.