POLICE chiefs from all Philippine National Police (PNP) regional offices have signed a manifesto of support to PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III amid an order issued by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against the top cop’s recent reshuffling directive.
The following PNP officers signed the manifesto of support not just for Torre but also to the “line of authority,” as they recognize the PNP leadership’s vision and direction to enhance the capability of the organization’s personnel, promote service with speed, and empower every member toward building a better, stronger, and more responsive police organization:
Police Regional Office (PRO) Ilocos Director Brigadier General Dindo Reyes
PRO Cagayan Valley Director Brigadier General Roy Parena
PRO Central Luzon Director Brigadier General Rogelio Ponce Peñones
PRO Calabarzon Director Brigadier General Jack Wanky
PRO Mimaropa Director Brigadier General Roel Rodolfo
PRO Bicol Director Brigadier General Nestor Babagay Jr.
PRO Western Visayas Director Brigadier General Josefino Ligan
PRO Central Visayas Director Brigadier General Redrico Maranan
PRO Eastern Visayas Director Brigadier General Jason Capoy
PRO Zamboanga Peninsula Director Brigadier General Eleazar Matta
PRO Northern Mindanao Director Brigadier General Rolindo Suguillon
PRO Davao Region Director Brigadier General Joseph Arguelles
PRO Soccsksargen Director Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz
PRO Caraga Director Brigadier General Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV
PRO Negros Island Region Director Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay
National Capital Region Police Office Director Major General Anthony Aberin
PRO Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Director Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman
PRO Cordillera Administrative Region Director Brigadier General Ericson Dilag
“We affirm our commitment to uphold the chain of command, respect the single line of authority, and obey all lawful orders of our superiors in the faithful discharge of our sworn duties and responsibilities as members of the PNP,” the manifesto read.
“With unwavering commitment, dedication, professionalism, discipline, and integrity, we pledge to continue serving the Filipino people with honor and excellence, while steadfastly supporting the leadership of the PNP and its mandate to serve and protect,” it added.
On August 14, the Napolcom issued Resolution 2025-0531, instructing the reinstatement of Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the deputy chief for administration, the second top post in the PNP organization, and of Lieutenant General Bernard Banac as the commander of Area Police Command (APC) Western Mindanao.
Nartatez and Banac switched posts earlier this month.
The resolution also ordered the reassignment of the following police officials:
Major General Robert Alexander Morico as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director from being the commander of APC Visayas
Aberin as the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) from being the NCRPO director
Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano as APC Visayas officer-in-charge from being the CIDG director
Lucas as PRO Calabarzon director
Wanky as NCRPO deputy director for administration
Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente as PRO 12 director from being the executive officer of APC Visayas
Colonel Hansel Marantan as HPG director
Colonel Jonathan Abella as acting director of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine (EOD/K9)
Colonel Arnold Rosero as EOD/K9 deputy director for administration
Brigadier General Romeo Macapaz to Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU)
Brigadier General William Segun to PHAU
The Napolcom cited its authority to exercise administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP under Republic Act 6975, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Act.
It noted that the agency also has administrative control over the PNP, including the power to review, approve, reverse, or modify personnel-related plans while under Republic Act 6975, the PNP chief is given the authority to direct personnel deployment.
“Despite the said issuances, the PNP recently made a series of designations, assignments and reassignments of police commissioned officers to third-level positions without the required confirmation by the commission en banc,” Napolcom explained.
The PNP Academy (PNPA) Alumni Association Inc. also expressed support to Torre, the first PNPA alumni who held the highest PNP post.
“We acknowledge the magnitude of the challenges he faces, yet he continues to lead with courage, dignity, and a clear vision for a professional, disciplined, and people-centered police service,” the PNPA Alumni Association said.
“With steadfast loyalty and a shared sense of duty, we pledge our wholehearted support to his leadership,” it added. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)