PNP has new intel chief

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has a new chief for the Directorate for Intelligence (DI).

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. said he has appointed Chief Superintendent Dante Ferrer as the new director of the PNP-DI to replace Director Servando Hizon, who retired from the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

During a recent meeting with editors and reporters of The STAR, Razon said his decision to appoint Ferrer to one of the most sensitive positions in the police force has the support of Malacañang, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) and the PNP’s Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB).

Ferrer, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class ‘75, served as Hizon’s deputy in the DI for a long time prior to his appointment. Hizon belongs to PMA Class ‘73, to former PNP chief Oscar Calderon also belongs.     

During the same meeting, Ferrer admitted to The STAR that he has to work double-time in gathering information on any possible threat to the peace and order situation in the country.

Ferrer assumed office last Oct. 19, the day a blast killed 11 people and injured more than 100 others in the Glorietta 2 shopping center in Makati City.

While the Multi-Agency Investigation Task Force (MAITF) has yet to conclude its probe, investigators said evidence points to the explosion being an accident. However, some sectors believe that incident was either an act of sabotage or terrorism.

Razon, who is a member of PMA Class ‘74, said another reshuffle will take place in the next few weeks due to retirement of ranking police officials who have reached 56 years old, the mandatory retirement age for police and military personnel.

The police officials who are set to retire are Director Wilfredo Garcia, chief of the Directorate for Operations, on Nov. 5; Director Ernesto Belen, head of the Directorate for Logistics, on Nov. 7; and Southern Tagalog Police regional director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan, on Nov. 8.

Razon said the SOPPB has been evaluating the records and accomplishments of the police officers who could replace the three officials.  – Cecille Suerte Felipe