Revamp seen as PNP’s No. 2 man to retire

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is due for a major revamp as its second in command, Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. is set to retire next month.

On March 2, Garbo, the present PNP Deputy Chief for Administration (DCA) will turn 56 years old, the retirement age for police and military officers.  He belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1981.

Garbo was one of the strongest contenders to take over the PNP’s top post after then PNP chief Alan Purisima was dismissed from the service last year.

His retirement will take place two months before the presidential and national elections on May 9.

Garbo earned President Aquino’s trust when he adroitly handled the controversial suspension of Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia during his term as regional director of Central Visayas.

He was eventually appointed chief of the National Capital Regional Police Office, which some observers believe was his reward for the role he played in the controversy in Cebu and in preparation for his appointment to the top post.

After Purisima’s dismissal, Aquino indicated that the next PNP chief must ensure the integrity of the elections – leaving Garbo out of the running.

The President eventually appointed PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, whose retirement is set on Aug. 28, two months after the 15th president assumes office.

As a matter of succession, Garbo’s post will be given to the PNP’s No. 3 man, Deputy Director General Danilo Constantino, the current deputy chief for operations.

Constantino’s post is expected to be taken over by Deputy Director General Francisco Uyami, the current No. 4 man and the chief directorial staff, considered the PNP’s general manager.

Director Christopher Laxa, chief of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development, is set to retire in April, or during the election period when appointments and reshuffles of personnel should be cleared by the Commission on Elections.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent  Wilben Mayor said the revamp will not hamper or disrupt operations in the PNP, especially security preparations for the elections.

He said they will seek the Comelec’s guidance before implementing the revamp.

Constantino, who will retire on July 2, Marquez and Laxa belong to PMA Class 1982.