José Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. is a Filipino police leader and military-trained law enforcement official who currently serves as the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), appointed to lead the country’s national police force with a focus on professionalism, discipline, and public trust.
Born on March 19, 1971, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Nartatez comes from a background grounded in community values and dedication to public service. His path from provincial beginnings to leading one of Asia’s largest police organizations reflects decades of comprehensive experience, leadership development, and commitment to national security and peace.
Early Life and Personal Background
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr was raised in Ilocos Sur, a province known for its strong cultural heritage and disciplined communities. His early life emphasized education, discipline, and respect for authority—traits he carried into his future roles in public security.
While detailed public accounts of his childhood are limited, it is clear his upbringing instilled in him resilience and a deep sense of responsibility—qualities that became hallmarks of his career.
Education and Training
Nartatez’s formal journey in uniform began with his acceptance into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1988, one of the Philippines’ most prestigious military and leadership training institutions.
- Philippine Military Academy (Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992)
Here, Nartatez underwent four rigorous years of training in military science, leadership, and discipline—preparing him for a long career in national defense and policing. - Master’s Degree in Public Administration
To deepen his leadership and administrative capabilities, Nartatez later earned a graduate degree focused on public governance, policy, and organizational management, equipping him for strategic roles within the PNP.
Early Career and Diverse Police Roles
After graduating from PMA, Nartatez began his service with the Philippine National Police, where he held numerous challenging assignments across the organization. His early experience included service with:
- PNP Special Action Force (SAF) — an elite tactical unit involved in counterterrorism and high-risk operations.
- Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office — where he served as provincial director and developed core leadership and operational planning skills.
Through these roles, he gained hands-on experience in frontline operations, community policing challenges, and strategic planning—shaping his understanding of both administrative leadership and field command.
Rise Through the Ranks
Throughout his career, Nartatez steadily rose through senior leadership positions, demonstrating versatility across administrative, intelligence, and operational domains:
- Director, PNP Finance Service — responsible for financial oversight and administrative efficiency.
- Director for Comptrollership & Intelligence — leading internal audits, financial integrity, and intelligence operations.
- Regional Director, Calabarzon Police — managing law enforcement operations in one of the Philippines’ most populous regions.
- Director, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) — overseeing police operations in Metro Manila, the nation’s capital region.
In October 2024, he was appointed Deputy Chief for Administration, the second-highest post in the PNP, where he oversaw logistics, personnel doctrine, and organizational planning.
Appointment as Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police
On August 26, 2025, Nartatez was named the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police following the relief of Police General Nicolas Torre III—marking a significant leadership transition for the force.
His appointment was confirmed by key government authorities, including the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), which affirmed his role as Acting PNP Chief with full legal authority to lead the organization.
As head of the PNP, Nartatez is responsible for leading more than 230,000 police officers nationwide, focusing on public safety, institutional reform, and community trust initiatives.
Leadership Style and Reform Agenda
Nartatez is widely described as a discipline-driven leader who emphasizes accountability, strategic clarity, and operational efficiency. His leadership priorities include:
- Strengthening Police Discipline & Integrity — reinforcing ethical standards within the force.
- Community Engagement & Trust-Building — fostering stronger ties between law enforcement and local communities.
- Operational Modernization — upgrading police systems and response capabilities.
- Professional Development — investing in training and internal capacity building.
His approach is focused less on short-term visibility and more on consistent, principle-based leadership that restores confidence both within the PNP and among the public.
Key Achievements and Contributions
Some notable contributions of Nartatez’s tenure and career include:
- Transitioning to top leadership during a pivotal moment of organizational change.
- Championing discipline and public trust initiatives inside the PNP.
- Leading major regional commands with measurable improvements in accountability.
These accomplishments highlight a legacy rooted in principle-based service and institutional stability.
Personal Values and Vision
Although private about his personal life, Nartatez’s leadership reflects values such as:
- Duty and Service
- Professional Integrity
- Accountability in Leadership
- Respect for Rule of Law
He envisions a “Bagong PNP” (New Philippine National Police) — a force that is disciplined, modern, and respected by the public.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr?
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr is a Filipino police lieutenant general who serves as the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police as of 2025.
2. When did he become PNP Chief?
He was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the PNP on August 26, 2025 and later affirmed as Acting Chief by NAPOLCOM.
3. What is his educational background?
He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy (Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992) and holds a Master’s in Public Administration.
4. What are his leadership priorities?
His focus includes discipline, transparency, community trust, and institutional modernization.
5. Where was he born?
He was born in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
Conclusion
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr’s life story is a compelling example of principled leadership, deep-rooted service, and steady rise through the ranks of law enforcement. From his early days in Ilocos Sur to his appointment as Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, Nartatez has shown that discipline, strategic leadership, and public service matter most in national security roles. His tenure at the helm of the PNP emphasizes stability, reform, and renewed public trust—setting a foundation for a stronger, more accountable institution for the future