Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday administered the oath of office to former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, retired general Benjamin Acorda Jr., as the new executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

According to Philippines News Agency, Acorda, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, served as the 29th PNP chief from April 2023 to April 2024. A pioneer of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, Acorda also held various key posts, including deputy director of 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.

Before his assumption as top police officer, he was PNP director for Intelligence from August 2022 to April 2023, and director of Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao) from November 2021 to August 2022. The PAOCC, created under Executive Order 295 (series of 2000), is tasked to investigate and prosecute organized crime groups and corrupt public officials, conduct intelligence operations, and formulate anti-crime strategies.

The agency has been actively combating illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. Acorda replaces Gilbert Cruz, who Malaca±ang said would be appointed to another government post.