PNP revamp involves 5 ranking officials

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) will have a new spokesman in the new wave of revamp in the police force that will take effect starting today affecting at least five ranking police officials.

A reliable source told The STAR that police officials affected by the reshuffle include PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, who will be appointed chief of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG).

“There was a meeting on Tuesday afternoon about the reshuffle, which will take effect starting Thursday,” the source added.

It was gathered that a mass turn over will be held today to be led by PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa.

“Gen. Bartolome will be replaced by Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina as the PNP spokesman,” said the source, who noted that Espina, the present chief of the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) is a candidate to become the newest general or chief superintendent of the PNP.

Bartolome will replace PCRG director Chief Superintendent Lina Sarmiento, who will be assigned as district director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) vice Chief Superintendent Lino Calingasan. Sarmiento is the second lady general in the PNP.

The source said Calingasan will be detailed as director of the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG), whose present head Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña will be appointed as regional director of Central Mindanao Police Region.

Cataluña will replace Chief Superintendent Fidel Cimatu, who went on leave after his two security personnel were accused of raping a female applicant of the PNP right inside his office.