High-level PNP reorganization under way

A controversial officer was named acting chief of the Anti-Kidnapping Group on Thursday in a high-level reorganization of the Philippine National Police, which  is facing close scrutiny amid allegations the organization is deeply involved in illegal drugs and extrajudicial killings.

The latest wave of upward movement of third-level police officers was announced by PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa and was triggered by the retirement of some senior officials, including Director Benjamin Magalong, deputy chief of operations.

They included Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao, a former deputy chief for operations of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF)-Luzon who was among 22 men charged in the 2000 murders of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito. He was dropped as a respondent after he turned state witness.

Dumlao also was the supervisor of the police operation that led to the massacre of suspected gambling lord Vic Siman and 12 others at a joint police and military checkpoint in Atimonan, Quezon, in January 2013.

Dela Rosa, in a statement, said the new designations were approved upon the recommendation of the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board.

The reorganization affected some key positions in the PNP command group, directorial staff, directorate for integrated police operations, national support units and police regional offices.

Installed as Magalong’s successor and third in the PNP hierarchy, effective Thursday, was Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario, formerly chief of directorial staff. Apolinario is regarded as the “PNP chief in waiting”—the likely successor of Dela Rosa, who will retire from the service next year.

The head for personnel and records management, Director Fernando Mendez Jr., was appointed as Apolinario’s successor in acting capacity. Mendez and Dela Rosa both belong to the Philippine Military Academy class of 1986.

Other officials appointed were Chief Supt. Ramon Purugganan, acting director for personnel and records management; Chief Supt. Edwin Roque, acting director for plans; and Senior Supt Manolo Ozaeta, acting director for legal service; Chief Supt. Sheldon Jacaban, acting deputy director in the directorate for intelligence; Chief Supt. Franklin Moises Mabanag, acting deputy regional director for administration of the Central Visayas police regional office; and Senior Supts. Renato Angara, Jose Briones Jr. and Froilan Quidlla as acting deputy regional directors for administration, respectively, of the Cagayan Valley, Soccskargen and Mimaropa offices.