Marcos names second highest exec as PNP OIC

Police Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta PNP FACEBOOK

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Sunday designated Police Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta as an officer in charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police after the scheduled exit of PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

In a memorandum dated March 27 but released on Sunday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Peralta will assume as OIC of the country’s police force until the President appoints a new PNP chief.

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Turnover rites put off

Peralta’s designation comes after Malacañang put off a supposed change of command on Wednesday for unclear reasons.

In a statement also on Sunday, the PNP said it welcomes Peralta’s appointment and vowed to build on the gains of previous leaders.

“[Peralta’s] appointment comes at a crucial time, and we assure the President and the Filipino people that the entire PNP is fully committed to supporting the administration’s programs and objectives outlined by the administration for the prosperity and security of our nation,” it said.

“In the days ahead, Police Lt. Gen. Peralta will introduce additional programs aimed at enhancing our administrative and operational capabilities,” the PNP added.

Term extended

Acorda’s tour as PNP chief was supposed to have ended last December when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56, but Marcos extended his term until March 31.

Peralta was already deputy chief for administration, the second highest PNP post, before his designation as OIC.

He had also been regional police chief of the Ilocos region, the President’s home region.

Peralta graduated from the Philippine Military Academy under the Sambisig Class of 1991. INQ