No major shakeup at PNP — Ebdane

Revamp is not for performers.

Incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. gave assurances yesterday that there will be no massive reshuffle of the force under his leadership.

Although he admitted that changes in the PNP hierarchy are inevitable following his takeover on July 4, he said officials who are performing well have nothing to worry about.

"It is inevitable that when somebody moves or leaves, there will be some replacements. If there is a vacancy, there is a need to fill it up," Ebdane said.

He said reassignments would be done based on consultations to dispel suspicions that officials identified with his predecessor, Director General Leandro Mendoza, would be sacked.

Ebdane, who was espousing unity in the PNP, is expected to unwrap his program of governance when he assumes the top police post on July 4 when Mendoza official takes over as secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Ebdane has also welcomed as a "positive development" President Arroyo’s announcement that the National Anti-Crime Commission (NACC), which has administrative powers over the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF), would be dissolved.

"I was told beforehand that it was the plan so when my assumption comes, there will only be one agency to lead (the anti-kidnapping campaign)," he said.

The President has instructed Ebdane to give top priority to the drive to stamp out kidnapping in the country within one year.

Ebdane expressed confidence he could meet the deadline for his mission since a majority of the kidnap groups were already under close surveillance by the NAKTAF.

"It is good that I am given one year," he said, adding that close monitoring of the kidnap syndicates has been continuing.

He also said the NAKTAF has been evaluating previous kidnap cases with the view of filing criminal charges in court against the suspects. Ebdane called on the victims of past kidnap incidents to help the police file criminal charges against the suspects.

He also revealed that at least two leaders of kidnap groups have fled to Italy and Canada. He did not elaborate.