Who Is Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.?
Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. is the current and 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police, the highest law enforcement officer in the Philippines.
Fondly called “Tateng” by his peers, classmates, and colleagues, he is a battle-tested, reform-minded police general whose career has taken him from the front lines of counter-insurgency operations in Mindanao to the commanding heights of national law enforcement administration.
He is a member of the elite PMA Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 notably described as the last PMA batch eligible to become PNP Chief and has served in virtually every major division of the Philippine National Police.
Nartatez is also distinguished by a remarkable ancestral heritage: he is a direct descendant of Gabriela Silang, the legendary female leader of the Ilocano independence movement against Spanish colonial rule.
| Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. | |
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Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr.: History · Bio · Photo
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| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Full Name: | Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. |
| Stage Name: | Tateng |
| Born: | March 19, 1971 |
| Age: | 55 years old |
| Birthplace: | Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines |
| Nationality: | Filipino |
| Occupation: | Police General; 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police |
| Height: | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religion: | Christian |
| Net Worth: | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life
Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. was born on March 19, 1971, in the municipality of Santa, Ilocos Sur, in the Ilocos Region of the northern Philippines.
He is of Filipino nationality and Ilocano descent. His roots are deeply tied to one of Philippine history’s most revered figures: Nartatez is a descendant of Maria Josefa Gabriela Cariño de Silang popularly known as Gabriela Silang the celebrated 18th-century Filipino revolutionary leader who assumed command of the Ilocano independence movement after the death of her husband Diego Silang and waged fierce resistance against Spanish colonial forces. This remarkable lineage has been a source of personal pride and inspiration throughout Nartatez’s life.
Despite being born in Ilocos Sur, Nartatez spent most of his formative years in Metro Manila, where he pursued his primary and secondary education. He excelled academically and graduated from high school with honors, demonstrating the discipline and intellectual rigor that would define his later career.
His parents raised him with strong values of service, integrity, and resilience qualities that prepared him for the demanding path of military and police service. Specific information about his parents’ names and his siblings has not been widely disclosed in public records.
Education
After completing his secondary education with distinction in Metro Manila, a 17-year-old Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. was admitted to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City in 1988.
He graduated in 1992 as a proud member of the Tanglaw-Diwa Class a class widely noted as the last PMA batch from which members are eligible to ascend to the position of PNP Chief under current rules.
He graduated with distinction, finishing among the top performers of his class, and earned a solid foundation in military science, leadership, tactics, and national security doctrine.
While actively serving in the Philippine National Police, Nartatez pursued further academic development and earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration.
This postgraduate qualification broadened his expertise in governance, institutional management, and public policy skills he would later deploy in his leadership of major police commands and national-level directorates. His academic journey reflects a commitment to lifelong learning that complements his operational experience.
Career
Upon graduating from the PMA in 1992, Nartatez immediately joined the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) the Philippines’ elite counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency unit.
For the first five years of his career, he operated in some of the country’s most dangerous conflict zones, battling communist insurgents and armed terrorists in Quezon, Laguna, Negros Island, and the BASULTA provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi in Muslim Mindanao.
In 1993, he served as Commanding Officer of the PNP-SAF’s 3rd Special Action Battalion stationed in Isabela City, Basilan a posting that thrust him into the heart of some of the bloodiest counter-insurgency operations of that period. This baptism of fire shaped his character as a leader and built a reputation for personal courage and tactical proficiency that would follow him throughout his career.
After his SAF years, Nartatez transitioned to investigative and intelligence work, joining the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), where he served under then-PNP Chief Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
In this capacity, he pursued organized crime syndicates and high-profile fugitives with the same tenacity he brought to the battlefields of Mindanao. As Chief of Police in Zambales, he neutralized two communist guerrilla fronts and dismantled the BATZAM regional unit a significant counter-insurgency achievement.
As CIDG Special Reaction Unit chief, he helped disband the private armed group of Abra Governor Vicente Valera a case that ultimately led to Valera’s conviction for the murder of Rep. Luis “Chito” Bersamin Jr.
Nartatez also served as chief of the Santa Police Station and later held roles in organizational development within Camp Crame. He served as Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office Director from January 9, 2016 to April 20, 2018 a tenure marked by significant reductions in crime incidents in the province.
During this time, he also worked closely with the Marcos-led Ilocos Norte provincial government, overseeing infrastructure improvements at Camp Valentin S. Sagisi and building lasting institutional relationships.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nartatez served as Director of the PNP Finance Service a critical role in which he pioneered innovative solutions to administrative and operational disruptions caused by the global health crisis.
He served in this position for 21 months. He later briefly took over as PNP Director for Comptrollership and then as PNP Director for Intelligence, demonstrating his versatility across both operational and administrative domains.
On August 8, 2022, he was appointed Regional Director of PNP CALABARZON (Police Regional Office 4-A) one of the largest and most complex regional police commands in the country, covering the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon. His strong performance there opened the door to his next assignment.
In June 2023, Nartatez was designated as Director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) the police command responsible for Metro Manila, home to over 13.5 million people. In this role, he launched a landmark 7-Point Action Plan that reduced crime in Metro Manila by 6% within just four months, catapulting the NCRPO to the top of the national performance rankings.
His tenure at NCRPO was also defined by the successful and incident-free security management of major national events, including President Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and the massive annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene events that drew millions of participants.
In October 2024, Nartatez was appointed Deputy Chief for Administration (TDCA) the PNP’s second-highest position following the retirement of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta. In this role, he assisted PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil in overseeing human resources, logistics, comptrollership, doctrine development, and technical research.
He also oversaw the operational security management of the 2025 national and local elections, which were declared generally peaceful despite localized challenges in the Cordillera and Bangsamoro regions.
A major turning point came in August 2025, when newly appointed PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III attempted to reassign Nartatez from his TDCA post to the peripheral Area Police Command – Western Mindanao. The controversial reshuffle triggered significant institutional pushback.
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), chaired by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, annulled Torre’s orders and reinstated Nartatez as TDCA. Torre was subsequently relieved by President Marcos Jr., and on August 26, 2025, Nartatez was designated Officer-in-Charge of the PNP.
He was confirmed as Acting PNP Chief on September 1, 2025. Following the official retirement of General Torre on January 19, 2026, President Marcos Jr. formally appointed Nartatez as the 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police on January 28, 2026 simultaneously conferring on him the four-star rank of Police General.
Awards & Recognitions
Throughout his distinguished career, Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has accumulated an extensive list of medals, citations, and commendations that spans five full pages of his PNP Personal Data record. His honors include:
- Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod – PNP Distinguished Service Medal
- Medalya ng Katangitanging Gawa – PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal
- Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod – PNP Special Service Medal
- Medalya ng Kadakilaan – PNP Heroism Medal
- Military Merit Medal (Medalya ng Kagalingang Militar)
- Medalya ng Kagalingan – PNP Medal of Merit
- Medalya ng Kasanayan – PNP Efficiency Medal
- Medalya ng Papuri – PNP Commendation Medal
- Medalya ng Pagkilala – PNP Recognition Medal
- Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya – PNP Relations Medal
- Medalya ng Mabuting Asal – PNP Good Conduct Medal
- Anti-Dissidence Campaign Medal
- Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Campaign Medals
- Disaster Relief & Rehabilitation Operations Medal
- Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge (PRPUCB)
- People Power II Unit Citation
- Medalya ng Paglilingkod sa Santo Papa – Pope Francis Service Medal
- PNP Lambat Sibat Medal
- PNP Senior Parachutist Badge
- Special Action Force Badge
- Multiple recognitions as Best Junior Officer, Best Staff Officer, and Best PCO of the Year across nearly all assignments
Social Media
General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. maintains a relatively understated personal social media presence, in keeping with the professional and institutional nature of his position.
As PNP Chief, his public communications are largely channeled through the official PNP social media accounts, including the Philippine National Police’s verified Facebook page and official website at pnp.gov.ph.
He has been regularly featured in press conferences, televised news reports, and interviews across major Philippine media outlets including Rappler, ABS-CBN News, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine News Agency (PNA), and Daily Tribune.
His public engagements, directives, and media appearances serve as the primary way through which Filipinos and observers track his leadership of the national police force.
Personal Life
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. is known among his colleagues and peers for his warmth, approachability, and genuine community spirit qualities that earned him the affectionate nickname “Tateng.”
He is a family man who has maintained a private personal life throughout his decades of public service. Specific details about his spouse and children have not been prominently disclosed in public sources.
Nartatez has spoken openly about his pride in his ancestral heritage. As a direct descendant of Gabriela Silang, he carries the legacy of one of the Philippines’ greatest heroines a legacy that, by many accounts, motivates his commitment to fighting injustice and corruption.
His Ilocano roots and his time spent in Metro Manila growing up give him an ability to connect with Filipinos from diverse backgrounds.
He is known for his sense of humor and his ability to humanize the police force. During his tenure at the NCRPO, he famously quipped that a police officer’s tan complexion was a sign of active community engagement: “Kapag maputi ang pulis, lagi lang sa loob yan” (“If the cop is fair-skinned, he is always at their headquarters”) a line that resonated widely with the public and underscored his belief in community-centered policing.
His approach to policing strongly emphasizes community involvement, rehabilitation over punishment in anti-drug campaigns, and building bridges between law enforcement and ordinary citizens. He has championed programs such as community policing workshops, youth engagement activities, the BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan) anti-drug program, and Project Bathala which increases police visibility in churches and places of worship on Sundays.
On the institutional front, the most significant controversy of his career came during the brief tenure of PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III in 2025, when Torre attempted to reassign Nartatez to a regional command in Western Mindanao widely perceived as a lateral demotion.
The intervention of NAPOLCOM and the subsequent relief of Torre resolved the situation in Nartatez’s favor, and he ultimately ascended to the top of the Philippine police hierarchy. No personal misconduct or criminal allegations have been raised against Nartatez at any point in his career.
Net Worth
The precise net worth of General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has not been publicly disclosed. As a career military and police officer, his income throughout his service has been derived from his government salary commensurate with his rank, along with allowances and benefits provided to senior PNP officers.
As PNP Chief, his compensation is governed by Republic Act No. 11466 (Salary Standardization Law of 2019) and applicable PNP compensation laws. Like all senior government officials in the Philippines, he is required to file an annual Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) with the Office of the Ombudsman. His specific SALN figures are not widely reported in available public sources.
His primary source of income is his government salary and military/police pension entitlements accrued through over three decades of service.
FAQs
What is Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s full name?
His full name is Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. He is commonly known by the nickname “Tateng.”
When and where was Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. born?
He was born on March 19, 1971, in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
What is Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s current rank and position?
He currently holds the rank of Police General and serves as the 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police, a position he has held since January 28, 2026.
What PMA class does Nartatez belong to?
He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Tanglaw-Diwa Class of 1992 widely recognized as the last PMA batch eligible to become PNP Chief.
Who is Gabriela Silang, and how is Nartatez connected to her?
Gabriela Silang was a celebrated 18th-century Filipino revolutionary leader who led the Ilocano resistance against Spanish colonial rule. Nartatez is a direct descendant of Gabriela Silang, a source of great personal pride and historical significance for him.
What were some of Nartatez’s major achievements as NCRPO Director?
As NCRPO Director, he launched a 7-Point Action Plan that reduced crime in Metro Manila by 6% in just four months, elevated the NCRPO to the top of national performance rankings, and successfully secured major events including President Marcos Jr.’s second SONA, the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and the Traslacion of the Black Nazarene.
How did Nartatez become PNP Chief?
He was designated as Officer-in-Charge on August 26, 2025, after PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III was relieved by President Marcos Jr. following a controversial internal reshuffle. He was formally appointed as the 32nd PNP Chief on January 28, 2026.
What educational background does Nartatez have?
He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1992 (Tanglaw-Diwa Class) and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration while in active police service.
What is Nartatez known for in terms of community policing?
He is known for championing community-centered policing approaches, including the BIDA anti-drug program, Project Bathala (police presence at churches), and youth and community engagement activities that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.
Has Nartatez ever faced any controversies?
The most notable institutional controversy involving him was the 2025 reshuffle by PNP Chief Nicolas Torre III, which attempted to reassign Nartatez to a peripheral command. NAPOLCOM overturned the order, Torre was subsequently relieved, and Nartatez was elevated to PNP Chief. No personal misconduct or criminal allegations have been raised against him.
Conclusion
Jose Melencio Corpuz Nartatez Jr. stands as one of the most distinguished law enforcement officers in Philippine history.
From his birth in the heartland of Ilocos Sur carrying the blood of the legendary Gabriela Silang to commanding over 230,000 police officers as the 32nd Chief of the Philippine National Police, his journey is a testament to discipline, sacrifice, and an unshakeable commitment to public service.
His career spans the full spectrum of modern policing: from combat operations against terrorists in Mindanao, to dismantling organized crime syndicates, to bringing fiscal transparency to the PNP, to transforming Metro Manila’s crime landscape through community-centered leadership.
What sets Nartatez apart is not just his extraordinary record of achievement, but his philosophy of policing one rooted in empathy, accountability, and the belief that true public safety is built on trust between law enforcers and the communities they serve. As he leads the PNP into a new chapter, the Filipino people can look to “Tateng” as an officer shaped equally by the fires of the battlefield and the wisdom of the classroom a leader worthy of the legacy he carries and the institution he now heads.
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