Jose Melencio Nartatez


Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. is a Filipino police officer who has served as the 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police since January 28, 2026, following the removal of Nicolas Torre from office.

Early life and education

Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. was born on March 19, 1971, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. He accomplished his primary and secondary education in Metro Manila. He entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1988 and graduated as a member of the Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992, the last PMA batch eligible to become PNP chief. He also obtained a master's degree in public administration.

Early police career

Nartatez has held several key positions within the Philippine National Police. He previously served as director of the National Capital Region Police Office, regional director of Calabarzon police, and Ilocos Norte provincial police chief.
In Camp Crame, he served in the Finance Service, later becoming director for comptrollership and intelligence. He also served as a member of the elite PNP Special Action Force and under the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
He became Deputy Chief for Administration in October 2024 following the retirement of Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta.

Key Positions

  • Member, PNP Special Action Force
  • Member, PNP-CIDG
  • Provincial Director, Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office
  • Director, PNP Finance Service
  • Regional Director, Police Regional Office 4A CALABARZON
  • Director, Directorate for Comptrollership
  • Director, Directorate for Intelligence
  • Regional Director, National Capital Region Police Office
  • Deputy Chief PNP for Administration
  • Commander, Area Police Command - Western Mindanao

Chief of the Philippine National Police (since 2026)

Acting PNP Chief (2025 - 2026)

Nartatez was appointed on August 26, 2025, Officer in Charge Chief of the Philippine National Police, following the relief of Police General Nicolas Torre III. His appointment was confirmed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. On September 1, 2025, Nartatez was affirmed as Acting PNP chief. He became a 4-star Police General on January 28, 2026, after Torre officially retired on January 19.

PNP Chief (since 2026)

Nartatez was officially appointed as the Chief of the Philippine National Police on January 28, 2026 by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Awards and Decorations

  • PNP Senior Parachutist Badge
  • Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod
  • Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa
  • Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod
  • Medalya ng Kadakilaan
  • Military Merit Medal
  • Medalya ng Kagalingan
  • Medalya ng Kasanayan
  • Medalya ng Papuri
  • Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya
  • Medalya ng Mabuting Asal
  • Medalya ng Paglilingkod
  • Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
  • Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Luzon
  • Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Visayas
  • Mindanao Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal & Ribbon
  • Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Mindanao
  • Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operation Ribbon
  • Medalya ng Pagtulong sa Nasalanta
  • Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge (PRPUCB)
  • Medalya ng Tsapang Natatanging Unit
  • People Power II Unit Citation
  • Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Santo Papa
  • Medalya ng Paglaban sa Kriminalidad
  • ASEAN Summit 2017 Medal
  • Special Action Force Badge