2 police generals, 2 colonels may be axed over drugs

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City — Four ranking police officials have been recommended to be removed from the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

A five-member advisory panel headed by former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. recommended the acceptance of the courtesy resignations of the third-level officials, including two one-star generals and two colonels who were formerly with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG). This was confirmed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Benhur Abalos Jr.

The four were among the 953 third-level officers evaluated by the panel after they submitted their courtesy resignations.

The panel cleared 917 of them, while it endorsed the suspension of President Marcos’ disposition on the 32 officers.

The names of the officials were withheld as the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has yet to resolve the administrative cases filed against them.

Meanwhile, five ranking police officials were included in the latest reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP), the first under new PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

In an order, Acorda reassigned Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Director for Comptrollership (DC), as the new Director for Intelligence (DI) of the police force.

Acorda was DI’s head prior to being named as PNP chief.

Nartatez was named acting DC after his predecessor, Maj. Gen. Jesus Cambay, retired from the service last April 20.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil replaced Nartatez as DC.

Brig. Gen. Vincent Calanoga was named acting director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 (Eastern Visayas), replacing Marbil, while Brig. Gen. Roger Laroza Quesada was designated as acting deputy Regional Director for the Administration of PRO 5 (Bicol).

Brig. Gen. Limuel Esto Obon was designated as the director of the Human Rights Affairs Office.

“I am confident that these new Officers-in-Charge and Acting Directors will bring their expertise and experience to their respective positions and lead their units with utmost professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service,” Acorda said.

He added that these new appointments reflect the police force’s commitment to ensuring effective leadership and management across various units and offices.