CIDG chief, police intel official swap posts

NEW LEADER Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. (right) assumes leadership of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group during a ceremony led by PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday. —LYN RILLON

Two police officials have agreed to swap key positions in the Philippine National Police, assuming each other’s posts effective yesterday, according to PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

Police Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the deputy director of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, has traded positions with Police Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) since August last year.

The two belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992.

‘Personal problems’

“Let’s say it’s [a] regular movement, maybe with some… a few minor problems. So we still try to work despite the little problems we face as far as the CIDG is concerned,” Azurin said in a press briefing on Monday.

The PNP chief said Caramat’s appointment was long overdue, but he had “some personal problems,” which caused the delay.

Caramat’s wife, Mayor Mamilyn Caramat of Calasiao, Pangasinan, died early Sunday morning of a stroke after a lingering illness. She was 53.

“We asked if he was ready to take the [CIDG] position and he said, ‘Despite what happened to my wife, I’m ready,’” Azurin said.

The CIDG, in a tribute to Lee, recognized his “unwavering” commitment to the investigation into the Oct. 3, 2022, killing of broadcaster Percival “Percy Lapid” Mabasa.

“His immediate action and accomplishments against unlawful acts have proven his capability as one of the effective and efficient leaders of PNP today. He successfully encouraged many of us to do the same,” the CIDG said. INQ