PNP reshuffles key posts; appointees to act as OICs only

EIGHT police officials have been assigned to new posts–but as officers in charge–in the absence of a fulltime Philippine National Police chief who is the appointing authority of the 150,000-strong police force.

PNP OIC Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina approved the assignments to key PNP positions of high-ranking officers, including the former Quezon City Police District director who was among four police chiefs ordered relieved by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas for their failure to curb rising crimes in Metro Manila.

Formerly the head of QCPD, Chief Superintendent Richard Albano will take over the helm at the Calabarzon regional police, replacing Chief Superintendent Edwin Erni.

Erni will be assuming the OIC post at the Engineering Service at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

Approved by the National Police Commission, the latest reorganization was upon the recommendation of the PNP Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board.

All reassignments will be effective on April 20, said the PNP Public Information Office.

Meanwhile, the Police Community Relations director post vacated by Police Director Danilo Constanino, now the fourth man in the PNP’s hierarchy, will be filled up by Chief Superintendent Wilfredo Franco.

Former PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz will be transferred from the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office to the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management as its Deputy Director.

Replacing Cruz as Northern Mindanao’s Regional Director is Chief Superintendent Lyndel Desquitado.

Also affected by the reshuffle are Senior Supt Arnold Gunnacao, who will head the PNP Highway Patrol Group, Senior Superintendent Eduardo Garado as Calabarzon Police’s Deputy Regional Director for Administration and Senior Superintendent Reczon Tito Acabado to lead the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group. AC