Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. as the new Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), marking a renewed push to strengthen law enforcement and public safety nationwide.
Remulla announced that he and Nartatez will present a comprehensive citizen security strategy within a month, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to boost police visibility, sharpen operational efficiency, and enhance community protection.
“Our goal is simple: to make Filipinos feel safer in their homes, on the streets, and in their daily lives,” Remulla said during the turnover ceremony at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The DILG chief stressed that the upcoming security framework will complement ongoing reforms, not delay them. He confirmed the nationwide rollout of the Emergency 911 system on September 12, which will be supervised by Nartatez.
“Effective reforms from former PNP Chiefs, including the five-minute response rule introduced by Gen. Torre, will continue under Gen. Nartatez’s leadership,” he noted.
Nartatez, who previously served as PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, vowed to strengthen the police force’s readiness, responsiveness, and integrity. He reaffirmed his commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, terrorism, cybercrime, and loose firearms, while prioritizing the welfare and morale of police personnel.
His immediate agenda includes refining the PNP’s business continuity plan, upgrading security operations, implementing comprehensive event security protocols, and ensuring integrity checks across all ranks of the police organization.
Remulla lauded Nartatez’s proven track record: “General Nartatez has served the PNP with honor and integrity. The President carefully reviewed all candidates and found him most qualified to lead the PNP at this crucial time.
”The DILG underscored that the transition signifies not only leadership continuity but also a renewed determination to deliver effective policing and citizen protection in pursuit of a safer Bagong Pilipinas.