PNP intel officer in Mamasapano operation promoted

Camp Crame. Photo by Ryan Leagogo/INQUIRER.net file photo

A senior intelligence officer of the Philippine National Police involved in the planning of the bungled counterterrorism mission in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, which cost the lives of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25 received his first star rank on Wednesday.

In simple rites held at Camp Crame, Fernando Mendez Jr. was promoted to chief superintendent, the equivalent of brigadier general in the military, as head of the PNP Intelligence Group.

Besides Mendez, also promoted to the next higher rank were Director Christopher Laxa and Chief Superintendents Joel Victor Canapi, Eric Serafin Reyes, Marietto Valerio and Robert Quenery.

Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr., the PNP deputy chief for administration who is touted to be the next PNP chief, presided over the pinning of insignias to the newly promoted officers.