Calderon to preside in PNP turnover rites

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon announced yesterday that he will preside over five turnover ceremonies tomorrow, including the one for the third highest post in the PNP.

Calderon will personally supervise the turnover rite for the post of PNP deputy chief for operations (DCO) from Deputy Director General Antonio Billones to Director Jesus Verzosa. Billones will retire on Aug. 22 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

The DCO is considered the No. 3 man in the PNP and has the chance to become the PNP chief.

Calderon said he has directed all the commands that will be affected by the reshuffle to prepare for the turnover. The revamp, considered a major movement due to the involvement of sensitive positions, will be the last this month.

Based on the approved resolution of the PNP’s Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB)  last Aug. 13, Verzosa will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Carta of the PNP-Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR).

Carta’s position will be taken over by Chief Superintendent Ismael Rafanan, Central Luzon Police director. His position will be given to Chief Superintendent Errol Pan, chief of the Traffic Management Group, which will be taken over by Senior Superintendent Perfecto Palad.

Last Friday, Calderon designated Chief Superintendent Eugene Martin as acting chief of the PNP’s Cordillera Administrative Region office in place of Chief Superintendent Raul Gonzales, who retired from the service after reaching 56 years.

Calderon said he did not have a hard time in selecting Martin as the latter has the full support of all local officials apparently because of his accomplishment when he headed Task Force Abra, which was credited for the minimal election-related violent incidents during the May 14 elections.

Local government officials have reportedly asked Calderon, Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno and even President Arroyo to appoint Martin, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1977, to head the PNP CAR.  – Cecille Suerte Felipe