Napolcom to give acting chief PNP full powers

MANILA, Philippines — As he must have full authority over the Philippine National Police, the National Police Commission is set to issue a resolution affirming the status of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as acting chief of the PNP.

Napolcom executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said the resolution would formalize Nartatez’s full authority as acting chief rather than officer-in-charge of the police force.

Nartatez replaced Gen. Nicolas Torre III, who was reportedly relieved from his post over his refusal to reverse the revamp he imposed as ordered by the Napolcom.

For Calinisan, it is imperative that Nartatez has full authority over the police force even if he is still a three-star general, stressing there is a big difference between an officer-in-charge and acting chief PNP.

“OIC has power over routinary functions of the office, but has no discretionary power. As acting chief you have full powers in your tools,” he said.

Nartatez could not be designated as PNP chief as Torre continues to hold the four-star rank until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56, based on Republic Act 6975, the law which established the police force.

Calinisan lauded Nartatez for his decision to implement a resolution reversing a major revamp of senior officials ordered by Torre.

He said Nartatez’s decision showed his respect for the Napolcom for the administration and control of the PNP.

“This is a good sign of things to come,” he said.

Calinisan also lauded Nartatez’s move in relieving Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo as PNP spokesperson and giving the responsibility to Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano.

Nartatez earlier explained that Fajardo is currently detailed with the Directorate for Comptrollership, and thus not in the proper office to serve as spokesperson.