MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Sunday the promotion of eleven police colonels to the rank of brigadier general, marking a significant advancement in their careers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the officers who received the one-star rank promotion include Colonels Christopher Abrahano and Jericho Baldeo from the Office of the Chief PNP; Manuel Abrugena from the Special Action Force; Nestor Babagay Jr. from the Office of the Directorate of Intelligence; Jovencio Badua Jr. from Police Regional Office (PRO) 1 (Ilocos); Dionisio Bartlome Jr., chief of Drug Enforcement Group; Aligre Martinez from PRO 4A (Calabarzon); Eleazar Matta from PRO 13 (Caraga), Noel Sandoval from Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management; Rogelio Simon from Police Security Protection Group; and Noel Vallo from Directorate for Logistics. Their promotions were officially recognized on February 6, as per a document issued on February 9.
This series of promotions comes after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) committed in January to expedite the process for advancing third-level police officers. The National Police Commission (Napolcom) had previously passed a resolution requiring the completion of promotion processing for third-level officers within 30 days following the submission of all necessary documentation.
DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who also serves as the chair of Napolcom, expressed that these promotions are expected to boost the morale of the personnel. He emphasized the importance of inspiring the officers to diligently combat criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption, as well as to maintain peace and order within their respective jurisdictions.