Ex-PNP chief Acorda named as PAOCC executive director 

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda, Jr. will replace Gilbert Cruz as executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, according to Malacañang.

This was confirmed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Wednesday.

To recall, Marcos appointed Acorda as PNP chief from April 2023 to March 2024.

Acorda is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991. He served as director of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence before he was appointed as the nation's top cop.

Cruz, a former Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) chief, was appointed as PAOCC Undersecretary in January 2023.

Created under Executive Order No. 295 in 2000, the PAOCC was tasked to adopt measures to ensure an effective and efficient anti-crime drive and to identify and prosecute criminal groups and their protectors in government through efficient intelligence and counterintelligence efforts.

No reason was provided on the replacement of Cruz. —LDF/RF, GMA Integrated News