Major reshuffle looms at PNP

A major reshuffle looms at the Philippine National Police (PNP) affecting key staff positions, support units, regional offices and provincial police offices.

Sources at Camp Crame said the revamp may take effect late this month or early next month.

The reshuffle may affect the heads of the Directorate for Intelligence (DI), the Intelligence Group (IG), the Criminal Investigation and Detection Droup (CIDG) and the Traffic Management Group (TMG), the sources said.

They added that DI chief Director Hercules Cataluña will move to the CIDG, while CIDG chief Director Nestorio Gualberto will transfer to the TMG replacing Chief Superintendent Renato Paredes who is due to retire this year.

The DI seat to be vacated by Cataluña may be occupied by his deputy, Chief Superintendent Jaime Lasar, or other contenders whose qualifications are currently under scrutiny by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB).

On the other hand, IG head Chief Superintendent Robert Delfin may be replaced by Chief Superintendent Eduardo Matillano, director of the Southern Mindanao police based in Davao City.

Central Visayas police director Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. is also expected to be reassigned to Southern Tagalog vice Chief Superintendent Domingo Reyes, who is being groomed to a key staff position.

The SOPPB is still scouting for Razon’s replacement, the sources said.

They said the changes are expected to be announced on or after the observance of PNP chief Director General Leandro Mendoza’s 56th birthday on March 17.

President Arroyo had extended Mendoza’s tenure for nine more months or until Dec. 31 this year.