Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos has halted the planned reorganization of the Philippine National Police (PNP) key personnel, emphasizing that the move is subject to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos' confirmation and approval.
According to Abalos, the planned transfer of eight PNP personnel is only a proposal that must be confirmed by the National Police Commission (Napolcom) which he leads.
He cited a Napolcom memorandum circular that states that the designation of particular jobs must be presented to the commission for approval before being submitted to the President.
Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, the former leader of the NCRPO, has been appointed head of the PNP's department for police community relations (DPCR).
Other changes in the PNP's top ranks include Nartatez's replacement as chief of the intelligence department, which was intended to be Maj. Gen. Jon Arnaldo. Brig. Gen. Ronald Le.
The deputy director for intelligence, was named chief of the human resources and doctrine development department, succeeding Arnaldo.
Maj. Gen. Eric Noble, former director of the Philippine National Police Academy, has been named chief of the investigation and detective management directorate.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Mario Reyes, previously of the DPCR, has been reassigned to the logistical directorate.
Brig. Gen. Alan Nazarro has been recommended as the future leader of the Highway Patrol Group.
In certifying the suggested persons to be designated inside the police force, Abalos used Napolcom's authority.
The officials will remain in their current positions until the reshuffle is completed.
Everything was set for yesterday's simultaneous transition and assumption of office ceremony at Camp Crame's multipurpose facility at noon. Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, PNP deputy chief for administration, was expected to preside over the ceremony.
Later, a police officer announced that the event would be rescheduled for 4 p.m.
Another official told journalists covering Camp Crame that the ceremony had been rescheduled after Abalos stated that the planned rearrangement was only a recommendation that needed to be confirmed.
During a press conference, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated that there was no revised schedule for the formal assumption of office and handover of command.
Meanwhile, in Calabarzon Col. Rainerio de Chavez was ousted as Batangas police chief just one month after taking the job.
De Chavez was appointed police commander of Batangas in May, succeeding Col. Pedro Soliba, who will retire next month.
Col. Samson Belmonte, the previous chief of the Highway Patrol Group-Calabarzon, took his place.
Belmonte took over as commander yesterday after a brief ceremony at Camp Miguel Malvar.
The order to replace De Chavez was issued by the National Command and signed by Maj. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, director of personnel and records management.
