PNP revamp: Three more generals move up

Three more generals, including a classmate of Brig. Gen. Francisco Gudani, who testified about alleged massive cheating in the May 2004 presidential elections, have been appointed to higher positions at the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao said there will be another reshuffle in the coming weeks as 21 star-rank PNP officers are set to retire before the year ends.

Lomibao said Director Isidro Lapeña has been designated acting Chief of the Director Staff (CDS), which used to be occupied on concurrent capacity by Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., the PNP’s deputy chief for operations.

Lapeña is a classmate of Gudani, both members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’73.

The PNP chief said Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Carta has been appointed as PNP acting director for operations, the post vacated by Lapeña.

Lomibao said Chief Superintendent Gerardo Hilomen has been designated deputy director for logistics, replacing Chief Superintendent Eliseo de la Paz, who earlier assumed command as regional director for Eastern Visayas.

"This routine reorganization of key officials in the PNP aims to further improve the effectiveness and credibility of the police force in fighting crime and maintenance of peace and order," Lomibao noted.

The CDS is the fourth highest position in the PNP command group. It exercises organizational supervision over the 10 directorial staff offices, regional offices and national support units.

Among those who are set to retire are Directors Rolando Garcia (Dec. 4) and Victor Batac (Dec. 15). Both have two-star ranks.

One-star rank retirees are Chief Superintendents Merio Medios (Oct. 5), Adolfo Avenido (Oct. 7), Quirino de la Torre (Nov. 16), Alberto Olario (Nov. 19), Dante Tejada (Nov. 20), Reynor Gonzales (Nov. 22), Jaime Lasar (Nov. 23), Simeon Dizon Jr. (Dec. 16) and Ricardo Dapat (Dec. 17).