Next BFP chief named

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno designated yesterday Chief Superintendent Rolando Bandilla, Jr. as new chief of the Bureau of the Fire Protection after Director Enrique Linsangan retired from the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Puno said Bandilla is now the officer-in-charge (OIC) in addition to his present post as deputy chief for administration.

Bandilla, 46, is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Tagapagtanggol Class of 1986.

He has been an officer in the BFP service for the last 22 years and held various key positions. He has been a registered civil engineer since 1983.

“Bandilla is the most senior of all the officers currently holding the rank of chief superintendent in the BFP hierarchy and the only officer who has a CESO (Career Executive Service Officer) IV rank,” Puno noted.

Bandilla has received medals, awards and commendations, including the prestigious Lakan award, the highest award given to outstanding alumni by the PNPA Alumni Association, Inc. and the Presidential Award from the Safety Organization of the Philippines for his outstanding contribution in the field of public safety.

He was previously the regional director for the National Capital Region and Regions 1, 2, 3 and 4. – Cecille Suerte Felipe