Benjamin Acorda takes oath as PAOCC executive director

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Thursday administered the oath of office of newly appointed Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Executive Director Benjamin Acorda Jr.

The oath-taking ceremony took place at Malacañang Palace. Acorda replaced Gilbert Cruz, who once served as chief of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). 

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy's "Sambisig" Class of 1991, Acorda served as the 29th chief of the Philippine National Police from April 2023 to April 2024.

He held the position of PNP Director of Intelligence from August 2022 to April 2023 and Regional Director for the Police Regional Office X from November 2021 to August 2022, according to the Presidential Communications Office. 

He also served in key positions in the police force, including Deputy Regional Director for the National Capital Region Police Office, Director of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, Chief of Staff of the Civil Security Group, and Chief of the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division.

Established under Executive Order No. 295, series of 2000, the PAOCC is mandated to investigate and prosecute criminal syndicates and corrupt officials. Its functions include conducting intelligence operations as well as developing anti-crime action plans. —VBL, GMA Integrated News