Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. has officially assumed his post as the new officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), assuring the public that there is 'no conflict within the organization’s leadership.'
“I don't find any conflict or away. Basta we follow orders,” Nartatez said during a press briefing on Tuesday, August 26, at Camp Crame.
According to the report by RH Edniel Parrosa, the OIC emphasized that the PNP is a “dynamic” institution that operates under orders and policies, highlighting discipline and chain of command as its foundation.
His appointment follows the relief of Police General Nicolas Torre III as PNP Chief.
Torre, who continues to hold the four-star rank reserved for the top post, will be placed on “floating” status should he choose not to apply for early retirement.
As OIC, Nartatez vowed to sustain the programs of his predecessor, including the five-minute response policy.
“Of course, even before 5 minutes response, 3 minutes response or any response we should respond to any distress call or call for help from our community. ‘Yan naman ay part ng ating managing police operations,” he explained.
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla led the formal turnover ceremony, reaffirming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s appointment of Nartatez as PNP OIC.
Despite the leadership shift, Nartatez stressed that the organization remains stable and fully committed to its mandate.
“The Philippine National Police is a dynamic organization. We are covered by orders, we are covered by policies. As a fine Filipino public servant, minsan ay isang sundalo, susunod lang tayo kung ano ang ibibigay na utos, especially this is a general order,” he said.
