MANILA, Sept. 1 -- The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has formally affirmed the designation of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), replacing Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

In a statement on Monday, Napolcom explained that the designation was necessary as Torre, "though relieved from his post," continues to hold the rank of Police General - a rank that by law can only be vested in a single officer at a time.

"This move underscores Napolcom's constitutional mandate to administer and control the PNP and ensures the continuity of leadership at the helm of the national police force," lawyer Rafael Vicente Calinisan, Napolcom's vice-chairperson and executive officer, said.

Under Re...