Philippine National Police Chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. (INQUIRER PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that it is gearing up for the change of command ceremony for its chief, General Benjamin Acorda Jr., on March 27.
Acorda was supposed to retire last December 3, after turning 56 — PNP’s mandatory retirement age.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., however, extended his term until March 31, 2024.
PNP Spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said she has no information on whether or not Acorda already submitted a list of potential replacements to the President or if the latter asked for one.
“We are already preparing for the change of command. In fact, we already have a date, and it’s on March 27, but the job of PNP chief continues,” Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday.
“I have no information if he will be replaced or who will replace him, but based on the law, the President has the sole authority to choose the next PNP chief from the rank of general and up — all of them are eligible to be appointed,” she explained.
Acorda is the PNP’s 29th police chief. He assumed the post on April 24, 2023, replacing retired Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
Before this appointment, Acorda served as the chief of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.
He was a former Civil Security Group chief of staff, National Capital Region Office (NCRPO) deputy director for administration, and Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office director, among others.