21/09/2025
PNP CHIEF NARTATEZ FACES 1ST MAJOR TEST AS NATIONWIDE PROTESTS LOOM | September 20, 2025
With large-scale anti-corruption protest rallies taking place September 21, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confronts a pivotal moment in his tenure as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The demonstrations, expected to draw thousands across major cities, will test his leadership, either cementing his authority or marking a tumultuous baptism by fire.
The abrupt removal of Police General Nicolas Torre III in August 2025 and Nartatez’ subsequent appointment have thrust the latter into an unforgiving spotlight.
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992, Nartatez has built a career spanning over three decades, quietly rising through the ranks with a low-key profile that kept him largely out of the headlines—until now.
In recent years, his ascent to PNP chief was anticipated, with his extensive experience in critical roles suggesting his readiness to navigate the complexities of this moment.
The five-minute response policy, which he has pledged to continue despite being a key initiative of his predecessor, underscores his focus on operational readiness—a critical factor as the PNP aims to improve police visibility and crime prevention.
However, with public expectations at an all-time high, Nartatez must prove that his leadership can deliver both efficiency and restraint.
Nartatez, or Tateng to his colleagues and subordinates, is described by colleagues as a steady, unassuming leader—a “well-rounded officer” who prioritizes substance over spectacle. His battle-tested experience in high-stakes environments has earned him a reputation for reliability rather than flamboyance.
Drawing on his tenure as director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), the Directorate for Intelligence, and most recently as Deputy Chief for Administration, Nartatez possesses the operational and administrative expertise needed to tackle the logistical and strategic demands of leading the 200,000-strong police force that will be the face of government response and management of nationwide protests.
His ability to orchestrate this delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting democratic rights will be closely scrutinized.
Nartatez’s track record demonstrates a disciplined adherence to protocol that differentiates him from his predecessor.
He has publicly rejected controversial practices like “quota arrests,” a policy rooted in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, during which informal targets and reward systems allegedly pressured officers to inflate arrest numbers, often at the expense of due process and human rights.
The issue resurfaced during Torre’s brief tenure as PNP chief, when he announced that arrest numbers would serve as a key metric for promotions and evaluations. Though Torre distinguished this from the drug war’s “reward system” and denied it constituted a quota, critics viewed it as a revival of problematic practices.
Nartatez has firmly stated that his leadership will prioritize intelligence-driven, quality-focused operations that uphold justice over mere statistics.
Managing these rallies requires an approach that respects the right to free expression while ensuring public safety.
Nartatez’s emphasis on principled leadership and improved police operations suggests he aims to steer the PNP toward a model of policing that aligns with democratic values. However, translating this vision into action during a volatile moment will be a formidable challenge.
The protests also present an opportunity for Tateng to address deeper systemic issues within the PNP. Public trust in the police has been eroded by years of controversies, including extrajudicial killings during the drug war, allegations of corruption, and abuse of power.
Nartatez’s low-key demeanor and focus on professionalism could help rebuild confidence by demonstrating the PNP’s responsiveness and accountability.
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