SPD chief named PNP-HPG director

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila’s Southern Police District (SPD) chief was named as the new director of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG).

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said in a statement on Wednesday that he has designated Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz as PNP-HPG director, replacing Brig. Gen. Roberto Fajardo.

Cruz, former deputy director for administration of Northern Police District, was appointed as SPD director in 2018.

Albayalde has also appointed Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Biay, former director of Civil Security Group, as the new Directorate for Research and Development.

Meanwhile, Col. Alexander Sampaga from PNP’s Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development was named as the Acting Executive Officer for Directorate of Integrated Police Operations ( DIPO) for Visayas.

In a memorandum from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan, Eastern Police District (EPD) director, was reassigned as chief of SPD, which covers Makati, Muntinlupa, Pateros, Taguig, Pasay, Parañaque and Las Piñas.

READ: Davao Region police exec named EPD director

Col. Remigio Sedanto was appointed as Mandaluyong police chief which is under the EPD.

Col. Moises Villaceran, a former Mandaluyong police chief, was named as acting police chief of Pasig police, replacing Col. Rizalito Gapas, who is now police chief of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office.

In the same statement, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Banac said the latest reshuffle of senior police officers was due to the recent retirements of other PNP officials.

Banac said the appointments will take effect on Thursday, August 15. /kga