PMA, PNPA graduates get key posts in PNP revamp

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez is making good on his promise to level the playing field in the promotion and appointment of police officials.

Marquez yesterday said graduates of both the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the PNP Academy (PNPA) were given key positions in the recent PNP reshuffle.

The PMA graduates are Chief Superintendents Jose Gentiles, deputy director of the Directorate for Intelligence; Isagani Nerez, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations officer-in-charge in Eastern Mindanao; Noel Lazaruz Vargas, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao OIC; and Senior Superintendents Antonio Gardiola Jr., anti-illegal drugs special operations task force OIC; and Wilson Caubat, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Northern Luzon executive officer OIC.

The PNPA graduates are Chief Superintendents Robert Po, communications electronic service OIC; Efren Perez, maritime group OIC; Jerome Baxinela, engineering service OIC; and Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, deputy regional director for operations of the Calabarzon police.

The PNPA Alumni Association Inc. (PNPAAAI) lauded Marquez for his commitment to institute meritocracy and share leadership responsibilities in the police force.

Tomas Rentoy III, PNPA board chairman, said Marquez during a recent meeting with PNPAAAI officials at Club Filipino, reiterated his resolve to address concerns on the bias against non-PMA graduates.

Rentoy said Marquez also promised that PNPAAAI members would be given posts.

“We in the PNPAAAI are happy with the PNP chief's gesture and welcome his promise of reform with guarded optimism. We are aware of the many challenges the PNP chief faces from various vested interests and lobbyists, not least of whom are some of his co-cavaliers who will naturally feel deprived of their traditional advantage,” he said.

In his speech during the meeting, Marquez, a member of PMA Class 1982, said the PNP should remain united to prevent demoralization among its ranks.

“We should have stronger unity, regardless of one’s source of commission or service. We must be strong, solid and united,” he said.

Marquez vowed to institutionalize a system of promotions and appointments before he retires on Aug. 28, 2016.