Nartatez’s appointment was formalized through a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on August 25, which relieved Torre of his post and recommended Nartatez as his replacement.
Before this, Nartatez was serving as the PNP’s deputy chief for administration, the second-highest position in the organization. However, on August 6, he was reassigned by Torre to lead the Area Police Command (APC) in Western Mindanao.
This reassignment was met with resistance. On August 14, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) issued a resolution ordering Torre to reverse the move and reinstate Nartatez to his former role as deputy chief.
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1992, Nartatez was previously considered for the PNP’s top post when Gen. Rommel Marbil stepped down in June. Torre, whom he replaced, made history as the first chief of the PNP to come from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
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