QUEZON CITY – Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. formally took command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday in a turnover ceremony at Camp Crame, presided over by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

Nartatez replaced Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who did not attend the event but acknowledged the Palace directive relieving him of his post. The change came just hours after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, ordered Torre’s relief.

Remulla said the President’s decision was made to uphold the authority of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which has administrative supervision over the PNP. He stressed that Marcos wants the police institution to strictly operate within the law and maintain its integrity.

“This was not an easy choice, but it was made in the national interest. The President is committed to ensuring unity and effective coordination in matters of security, peace, and order,” Remulla told reporters.

The Interior chief added that Marcos directed him and Nartatez to submit within a month a comprehensive security plan to boost police visibility nationwide and strengthen public safety.

The leadership shake-up followed Torre’s decision to push through with a reassignment of senior PNP officials despite a Napolcom resolution reversing his order. Nartatez was among those affected by the disputed revamp.

While relieved, Torre faces no criminal or administrative charges. Remulla said he was given the option to retire early and is being considered for another government post where his experience can be put to use.

Torre retains his four-star rank, which complicates Nartatez’s assumption as full-fledged PNP chief, since only one police general can hold the rank at a time. Napolcom is expected to address the matter if Torre does not choose early retirement.