Duterte names retired PNP director as PDEA deputy director general

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Gregorio Pimentel, former head of the Directorate for Intelligence of the Philippine National Police (PNP), as Deputy Director General of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Duterte signed Pimentel’s appointment paper last June 4. The document, however, was only released to the media on Monday.

President Duterte appoints police intelligence chief Director Gregorio Pimentel as PDEA Deputy Director General. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/juLwt8h6Se

— Darryl John Esguerra (@drrylesguerra) June 10, 2019

Pimentel will replace Jesus Fajardo.

Duterte served as a sponsor at the wedding of Pimentel and Department of Social Welfare and Development Assistant Secretary Michelle Ortega in Baguio City last year.

READ: Duterte serves as sponsor at Pimentel-Ortega wedding in Baguio

The newly-weds, Director Gregorio Pimentel and Assistant Secretary Michelle Ortega, with their sponsors. To the bride’s right is President Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Vicente Sotto III, and Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II.

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)