Major PNP revamp looms as official nears retirement

A major revamp is in the works at the Philippine National Police (PNP), with the impending retirement of Deputy Director General Clyde Fernandez, who occupies the number two post as deputy director for administration.

PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said there will be movements among the directorial staff after Fernandez retires from office on Tuesday.

Ebdane told reporters that at least three officials with deputy director general rank are being eyed as Fernandez’s replacement — PNP deputy director for operations Edgar Aglipay, National Capital Regional Police Office director Reynaldo Velasco and Virtus Gil, current chief of the PNP’s directorial staff.

"Definitely, there is going to be a revamp because Fernandez is retiring by April 1. When he retires, somebody will become the deputy chief for administration. There will be movement among our senior officers," he said.

Ebdane said he will no longer ask Fernandez to extend his term, to give other qualified police generals a chance to occupy sensitive PNP posts, unlike Civil Security Group director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Berroya, who sought a one-year term extension after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 last March 11.

"Fernandez never requested for extension and we have no intention of extending (his term). Definitely, there is no extension," the PNP chief said, adding that the choice for Fernandez’s replacement may either be Aglipay, Gil or Velasco.

Ebdane issued these statements following criticisms of the decision of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to extend Berroya’s term.

The PNP chief stressed that the reshuffle, which will affect directorial staff and some key positions, will be made in accordance with the seniority and qualifications of the police officers’ concerned.