Cerbo now PNP intel chief

PHILIPPINE National Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. is now the intelligence head of the 150,000-strong police force.

Cerbo will be vacating the PNP Public Information Office chief post effective Monday following his promotion as the Directorate for Intelligence’s officer in charge.

His appointment as intelligence chief was made by PNP officer in charge Deputy Director Leonardo Espina.

Cerbo will hold the position in an OIC capacity.

“Much as I was already very much at home with the press, but duty calls that I must return to my other home at the Directorate for Intelligence to assume another position of greater responsibility effective today, 27 April,” he told the media.

Replacing Cerbo as the PNP spokesperson is Senior Superintendent Bartolome Tobias, formerly the PNP’s Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force chief.

Before Cerbo’s brief stint as PIO chief, he was the DI deputy director.

He had been appointed twice as the PNP spokesperson, first in 2012, then in January. Cerbo also held office at the Police Regional Office 7 Central Visayas as the deputy regional director.

“For now, let me just express my sincerest gratitude to the PNP Press Corps for the kind support and cooperation during my brief stint as Chief PIO. It has been a wonderful learning experience that will always cherish and count as a blessing,” he said.

“I trust that you will extend the same kindness and cooperation to the new Chief PIO, Sr Supt Bartolome Tobias, a fine officer whom I look up to with great admiration and respect. Thank you very much,” he added. AC