New PNP-SAF director named

MANILA, Philippines - Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo is the new director of the elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Lazo will assume command of the SAF during simple turnover ceremonies today to be presided over by PNP officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Lazo will replace Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, who assumed command as acting SAF commander following the relief of Director Getulio Napeñas over the Mamasapano operation.

Both Lazo and Taliño belong to Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’84.

Espina recommended the appointment of Lazo, which was approved by President Aquino and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Aquino and Roxas also approved the promotion of five more police generals.

Promoted chief superintendent were Pablo Francisco Balagtas, acting director of Aviation Security Group; Rolando Nana, acting director of Manila Police District, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO); Ricardo Zapata Jr., executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Logistics; Edgardo Tinio, executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operations, South Luzon; and Pierre Bucsit, executive officer of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations, West Mindanao.

Lazo, on the other hand, was the chief of directorial staff or No. 3 man of SAF from May 2010 to February 2013.

He served as deputy regional director for administration and OIC of the Region 1 police and later chief of the Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO) prior to his being named SAF director.

Sr. Supt. Bucks Felix of the PNP Directorate for Operations will replace Lazo at the FEO.

Lazo is expected to raise the morale of the SAF following the death of its 44 operatives in a firefight with Muslim rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

Donation scams

NCRPO chief Director Carmelo Valmoria warned the public yesterday against donation scams for the survivors of the SAF 44.

Valmoria said the NCRPO does not solicit financial support for the families of the slain SAF troopers.

However, Valmoria encouraged donors to extend their help through an account maintained by the PNP with the Land Bank of the Philippines.

“We are warning the public to beware of a scam using the SAF 44 asking for donations and individuals who are taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

The fate that befell the SAF 44 triggered an outpouring of sympathy for the families of the slain policemen.

Valmoria asked the public to report any individuals or groups using unauthorized bank accounts or numbers for SAF 44 donations. –With Cecille Suerte Felipe