President Marcos formally promoted Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the 32nd chief of the Philippine National Police after serving in an acting capacity for five months.
During the donning ceremony at Malacañang, Nartatez vowed to sustain the anti-crime campaign and lead the 230,000-strong police force in defending the Constitution.
The PNP reported a 12.4-percent drop in focus crimes, from 40,771 cases in 2024 to 35,717 in 2025, covering offenses such as murder, robbery, and theft.
Nartatez also called for unity and professionalism within the ranks amid political divisiveness in the country.
He ordered heightened security in public places in southern Metro Manila following the recent attack on a Japanese national in Parañaque.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 29, 2026
