PNP’s No. 3 to retire; revamp expected

A minor reshuffle in the Philippine National Police is looming as the PNP’s third in command, Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, is set to retire next week upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. has reportedly approved the revamp, which would affect sensitive positions in the police force.

Sources told The STAR that Varilla, the PNP Deputy Chief for Operations (DCO), will be replaced by Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta, who is currently the Chief of the Directorial Staff or No. 4 man in the police force.

Although Varilla’s birthday is on March 5, the PNP leadership is working towards a smooth transition to ensure the continuity of all the PNP projects, particularly on peace and order and on the other programs that would benefit ordinary policemen.

The source said Carta will be replaced by Director Ismael Rafanan, who is vacating the position as head of the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR), which will likely be given to Ilocos Region Police director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil.

Bataoil’s replacement as director of Region 1 is still being deliberated by the powerful Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB). – Cecille Suerte Felipe