Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reassigned 16 senior officers in a major reshuffle that includes key changes in its command group. In an order issued by PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Lt. Gen. Edgar Allan Okubo was named Deputy Chief for Operations, the third-highest position in the PNP hierarchy. He replaces Lt. Gen. Robert Rodriguez, who is set to retire on July 15.
According to Philippines News Agency, Okubo previously served as the Chief of the Directorial Staff, the fourth-highest post in the PNP. Replacing Okubo as Chief of the Directorial Staff is Maj. Gen. Neri Ignacio, who formerly served as Director for Logistics.
Other reassignments include Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Decena, formerly Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon), who is now Director of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA). Brig. Gen. Martin Defensor Jr., former PNP Finance Service Director, now heads the Directorate for Logistics.
Maj. Gen. Christopher Birung, former PNP Academy Director, is now Commander of the Area Police Command – Southern Luzon. Brig. Gen. Marlou Roy Alzate, outgoing SOSIA Director, was assigned as the new FS Director. Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay, former Police Security and Protection Group Director, now serves as PRO 5 (Bicol) Regional Director.
Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, former PRO-5 Regional Director, is appointed as the new PNP Academy Director. Brig. Gen. Benigno Guzman, former Manila Police District Director, is now the PSPG Director. Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad, former Northern Police District Director, replaces Guzman as MPD Director.
Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, former Highway Patrol Group Director, becomes PRO 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) Regional Director. Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo, outgoing PRO-9 Director, is reassigned to PRO 4B (Mimaropa) as Regional Director. Brig. Gen. Willy Segun, former Director of PNP Communications and Electronics Service, takes over the HPG.
Brig. Gen. Jerry Protacio, from the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, is assigned to the National Capital Region Police Office. Col. Rommel Batangan, from PRO – Negros Island Region, is the new Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO-3. Col. Lito E. Patay, formerly of PRO 10 (Northern Mindanao), is reappointed to PRO-NIR.
The new designations will take effect on July 14 and 15.