Camp Crame reporters barred from covering turnover ceremony

MANILA, Philippines—Even as the formal turnover of duties for the new spokesman of the Philippine National Police has not taken place yet, it seems that statements coming from the outgoing spokesman are not considered official anymore by some police personnel assigned inside Camp Crame.

Camp Crame beat reporters received a text advisory from outgoing PNP spokesman, chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. Thursday morning that read:

“Good morning sir. There will be a turnover of offices ceremony TODAY, Thursday, April 19 @ 10:00AM at the PNP Star Lounge for the following offices and incoming Directors: TDL – CSupt Arnulfo Perez, TDICTM – CSupt Gil Pacia, Dir, PSPG – CSupt Wilhelm Barlis, Dir, ITMS – SSupt Roger Damazo, Dir, IG – CSupt Charles Calima, Dir, TS – CSupt Henry Losanes

“This will be immediately followed by the oath taking of newly promoted PDir Arnulfo Perez, PCSupts Ronilo Quebrar, and 2 other CSupts and 2 SSupts. Uniform is GOA “A”. The Chief, PNP will be the Presiding Officer and Administering Officer.”

When reporters arrived at the National Headquarters of Camp Crame around 10 a.m. to cover the event, police officers stationed at the reception area said they have not received any advisory coming from PNP’s Public Information Office that would allow them to give a “go signal” to let reporters cover the change of command.

They even mentioned Cruz is not the spokesman anymore even if the reporters reminded them the official turnover of duties will take place on Monday, April 23.

While the reporters were trying to negotiate their way in, PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome was making a speech. Still their efforts proved futile.

Disappointed, the reporters left.

Cruz Jr., who was reportedly out of the country, has already been informed of the incident, but no word from him has been received as of posting time.

According to reports, the incoming PNP spokesman is Senior Superintendent Generoso Cerbo, Jr.  chief of the Directorate for Resource and Management of Region 4-a police.

At around 4:30 pm, Cerbo made an unannounced visit at the PIO office. He told reporters he’s not yet the spokesman since he will be formally appointed on Monday.

Bartolome , through various radio reports, said there’s an ongoing investigation regarding the police assigned in the reception area and the reporters’ walkout. He said he will make a formal announcement on Friday morning.