Another PNP reshuffle on the way

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Calderon has approved another wave of reshuffle in the police force that will affect 13 ranking police officers.

"The latest round of reorganization of PNP officials occupying key positions in the directorial staff, police regional offices, and national support units was set off by the retirement of some senior officials and the forthcoming retirement of several others in the coming months," said Calderon.

He noted that the reorganization was recommended by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board, chaired by Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., the PNP deputy chief for administration.

The board based its recommendation following a comprehensive review and evaluation of merit, seniority and competence of all nominees for the different posts.

Calderon said Chief Superintendent Pedro Tango is now the acting director of the Northern Police District (NPD), a post vacated by Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil.

Bataoil has been promoted as director of the Ilocos region. Tango used to be deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the investigation arm of the PNP.

Calderon added that Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales is now the acting director of the Southern Police District (SPD) while Chief Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino has been designated as acting director for plans, and Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II is now the acting regional director for Southern Mindanao.

Tango and Rosales met with their respective commanders and officers yesterday. They warned that they would keep a close watch on everyone’s performance and that rogue officers would be put behind bars.

Senior Superintendent Fidel Cimatu Jr. is now the acting deputy director for plans while Senior Superintendent Raul Castañeda has been appointed as acting deputy director of CIDG.

Senior Superintendent Orlando Mabutas is the acting executive director of the PNP directorate for human resource and doctrine development while Senior Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo is the acting deputy director for the PNP Intelligence Group, and acting Task Force Commander, Task Force Sanglahi.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Corvera is now the deputy chief of the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force while Senior Superintendent Atilano Morada was appointed acting director of the Aviation Security Group.

Calderon said Director Rodolfo Tor, erstwhile director for plans; and Southern Mindanao regional director Chief Superintendent Ricardo Quinto; have been reassigned to the Office of the Chief PNP pending their forthcoming retirement.

President Arroyo has reportedly tapped Tor to head the Philippines’ East Timor mission when he retires.

Chief Superintendent Ricardo Padilla is projected to replace Chief Superintendent Victor Boco Jr. as director for the Bicol region who is retiring on Jan. 11.

Calderon, however, instructed Boco to complete the relief and rehabilitation efforts in disaster-affected areas of Bicol region before he relinquishes command.

He said the retirement of these senior officers triggered the fresh round of reorganization in the different levels of command.

Chief Superintendent Florante Baguio, head of the Northern Mindanao regional office; Chief Superintendent Leonardo Dionisio of the Civil Security Group and Chief Superintendent Nestor Sanares of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crimes retired last month. — With Jerry Botial, Non Alquitran