PNP’s No. 3 moves up

MANILA, Philippines—The retiring No. 2 man of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is giving way to No. 3, while No. 4 is moving up to No. 3.

Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1977, will reach retirement age this week and is poised to turn over the reins to the next ranking official.

He will receive retirement honors at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame on Wednesday, while the turnover ceremony is scheduled when he turns 56 on Thursday, officials said.

Belarmino, the deputy chief for administration (DCA), confirmed he will be replaced by Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac Jr., a member of Class 1978, and the deputy chief for operation (DCO).

“I have signed the appointment of [Cacdac] as the next DCA and Deputy Director General Emelito Sarmiento, as the next DCO. They will assume the next higher position after my retirement,” Belarmino said.

It was not yet clear who will replace Sarmiento, chief of the directorial staff and a member of Class of 1980.