MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday administered the oath of office to General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. as the full-fledged Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in a formal ceremony at Malacañang Palace.

President Marcos congratulated Nartatez on his new role and expressed full support as he assumes the responsibilities and challenges of leading the police force.

“Nagpaabot ng pagbati at suporta ang Pangulo kay General Nartatez para sa kanyang husay sa pamumuno sa hanay ng kapulisan,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing.

Castro added that the President also acknowledged the PNP’s crucial role in supporting the administration’s efforts to maintain peace, order, and security across the country.

Nartatez has held various leadership positions in the PNP, including as Deputy Chief for Administration (2024–2025); National Capital Region Police Office Director (2023–2024); Regional Director of Police Regional Office IV-A Calabarzon (2022–2023); and Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office Director (2016–2018).

Since joining the police force in 1992, Nartatez has served as Director for Comptrollership and Intelligence, a member of the elite PNP Special Action Force, and part of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. He was promoted to Police Lieutenant Colonel in 2006 in recognition of his exceptional service.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, Nartatez also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.