MANILA — In a significant reshuffle of the Philippine National Police (PNP), five high-ranking officers received new assignments, effective May 6. This move is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the police force across the country.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Eleazar Mata, previously the Director of Police Regional Office-Caraga, will now lead the Drug Enforcement Group. He takes over from Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome, who is set to join the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit at the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management. Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo moves from his position as the chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations to become the director of the Civil Security Group.
Additional changes include Brig. Gen. Romaldo Bayting, formerly the Director of the Maritime Group, who will now serve as Area Police Commander for Western Mindanao. His previous post at the Philippine National Police Academy will be filled by Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal. Moreover, Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco has assumed the role of the 48th director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during a ceremony at Camp Crame, Quezon City. Francisco replaces Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., who has been appointed as Acting Area Police Commander of Northern Luzon, a change that paves the way for his promotion to lieutenant general.
During his tenure, Caramat oversaw 20,290 operations, resulting in the arrest of 22,802 suspects and the confiscation of PHP 16.8 billion worth of evidence, including 2,652 firearms. Looking ahead, Francisco aims to enhance the investigative capabilities of CIDG officers down to the lowest ranks.
Gen. Marbil expressed his confidence in the newly appointed officers and emphasized the importance of professionalism within the police force. He urged all officers to "always respect the law and value human life," underscoring the commitment of the PNP to safety and public trust.