Bato Dela Rosa revamps PNP directorial staff, regional offices

Newly installed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Friday announced a major "reorganization" of senior officials in the force.

A total of 41 officials were designated to new positions, effective immediately.

Dela Rosa revealed this hours after he formally assumed office and earned his four-star rank.

"I have ordered a reorganization of senior officers occupying key positions in the PNP Command Group, directorial staff, regional police officers, and national support units," Dela Rosa said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

He said the reorganization "followed the time-honored tradition in the police service that recognizes merit, seniority and competence in the selection process."

Dela Rosa said his command group would include three of his "respected upperclassmen" at the Philippine Military Academy.

Deputy Dir. Gen. Francisco Uyami has been appointed acting deputy chief for administration, while Dir. Benjamin Magalong and Chief Supt. Ramon Apolinario have been appointed acting deputy chief for operations and directorial staff, respectively.

Uyami was interim director general, set to retire in March 2017. Magalong—who will step out of the police force in December—headed the directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, while Apolinario served as Region IV-B regional police chief.

Other officials designated to new posts include:

• Chief Supt. Fernando Mendez Jr. - acting director, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management;
• Chief Supt. Nestor Quinsay - OIC, Directorate for Intelligence;
• Chief Supt. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan - acting director, Directorate for Operations;
• Chief Supt. Maria Victor Ramos - acting director, Directorate for Logistics;
• Chief Supt. Archie Francisco Gamboa - acting director, Directorate for Comptrollership;
• Chief Supt. Augusto Marquez Jr. - acting director, Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management;
• Dir. Victor Deona - acting director, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO)-Northern Luzon;
• Dir. Moro Virgilio Lazo - acting director, DIPO-Visayas; and
• Sr. Supt. Dionardo Carlos - spokesperson and OIC of Public Information Office.

The following have been appointed as acting regional directors:

• Chief Supt. Oscar D Albayalde - National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO);
• Chief Supt. Gilbert Sosa, - Police Regional Office (PRO) 2;
• Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor (former PNP spokesman) - PRO-4B;
• Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe - PRO-5;
• Chief Supt. Jose Gentiles - PRO-6;
• Chief Supt. Noli Taliño - PRO-7;
• Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar - PRO-8;
• Chief Supt. Agripino Javier - PRO-ARMM;
• Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona - PRO-COR.

Other officials given new assignments include:

• Sr. Supt. Roberto Fajardo - acting deputy director, Northern Police District;
• Sr. Supt. Romulo Sapitula - acting deputy director, Eastern Police District;
• Joel Napoleon Coronel - acting deputy director, Manila Police District;
• Sr. Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr. - acting deputy director, Southern Police District;
• Sr. Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar – acting deputy director, Quezon City Police District;
• Chief Supt. Roel B Obusan – Acting Director, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group;
• Chief Supt. Federico Dulay Jr. – acting director, Civil Security Group;
• Chief Supt. Benjamin Lusad - acting director, Special Action Force;
• Sr. Supt. Antonio Gardiola Jr. – acting director, Highway Patrol Group;
• Sr. Supt. Ma. O. R. Aplasca – acting director, Aviation Security Group;
• Sr. Supt. Edmund Gonzales - acting director, Maritime Group;
• Sr. Supt. Charlo Collado – acting director, Intelligence Group;
• Sr. Supt. Rene Aspera - acting director, Police Security Protection Group;
• Sr. Supt. Gilbert Cruz – acting director, Police Community Relations Group;
• Sr. Supt. Manolo Ozaeta - OIC, Anti-Kidnapping Group;
• Sr. Supt. Albert Ignatius Ferro - OIC, Anti-Illegal Drugs Group;
• Sr. Supt. Reczon Tito Acabado – OIC, Anti-Cybercrime Group;
• Chief Supt. Lyndon Cubos – acting director, Finance Service;
• Chief Supt. Edwin Roque - acting director, Legal Service; and
• Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas – acting director, Police Retirement Benefit Service.

According to Dela Rosa, the performance of the provincial and city directors will be monitored "on a weekly basis."

The reorganization comes with the new administration's drive against drugs and other crimes, President Rodrigo Duterte's main promise during his campaign.

According to Dela Rosa, the performance of the provincial and city directors will be monitored "on a weekly basis."

"So dapat 'pag nalaman na nila na palapit na 'yung three months tapos hindi nila na-hit 'yung target, they know what to do, anong gagawin nila," he said.

He also said regional directors will be relieved if they fail to hit the target within three months.

"Ire-relieve ko rin kayo kasi after six months, ako naman ang mananagot kay President. Ganu'n lang 'yun, so mapipilitan talagang magtrabaho 'yung mga commanders natin. Talagang magtatrabaho sila, otherwise hindi natin kayang ma-hit 'yung target natin," he said.

He said the officers assigned in key posts in this revamp were chosen based on "who can deliver."

"'Yung to be fair naman sa mga pinagre-relieve, sila'y nakapuwesto during the time na 'yung presidente ay hindi gaanong nakasuporta sa kaniyang PNP—'yung para bang nagkaproblema ang Mamasapano, walang pakialam, ganu'n, 'di ba? Kung ikaw ba magkakaso ka sa drugs, 'buntot mo, hila mo' nga ang sabi nga kanina," he said.

He added: "Naiintindihan ko sila (relieved officials), but ako naman, to give myself a fresh mandate, gusto ko sana bago din 'yung maging subordinate commanders ko para buhos." —NB, GMA News