Massive PNP revamp looms

MANILA, Philippines – A massive revamp in the national police force looms as Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa takes over the helm as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Verzosa would replace PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., who will retire on his birthday on Saturday, Sept. 27, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

A top police official said the assumption of Verzosa as PNP chief would also allow a revamp in the top police brass with the mandatory retirement of other officials along with Razon. 

The official stressed the movement is meant to fill up the posts vacated by retiring police officials, not necessarily to allow Verzosa to appoint people close to him.

“It has been the policy in the PNP to implement revamp as soon as an official retired, and although the bata-bata system exists, the Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB) still functions strongly,” the official said.

The PNP top brass, on the other hand, has already mapped out security plans for the turnover ceremony on Saturday.

At least 78 known personalities, including lawmakers, Cabinet members, and former PNP chiefs, have been invited to grace the turnover ceremony with President Arroyo as the guest of honor.

The PNP headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City has been spruced up for the occasion.

The PNP Multi-Purpose Hall, which will be the venue of the turnover ceremonies, has been renovated with shiny white floor tiles and three big elaborate chandeliers on the ceiling.

The hall is now three times bigger and can accommodate over 1,500 guests.

The PNP-Public Information Office (PIO) has also conducted briefings for the media on proper protocol during the coverage of the command turnover.

Sources said Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta would replace Verzosa as PNP deputy chief for administration (DCA), the second highest position in the police force.

Carta is presently the PNP deputy chief for operations (DCO). Verzosa belongs to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’76 while Carta is a member of Class ’74.

Carta will be replaced by Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan, chief directorial staff (CDS), whose position will be given to National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Geary Barias.