NPD begins revamp

The Northern Police District (NPD) started a revamp of its Camanava (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela) command yesterday with the replacement of two of four police chiefs.

Replaced were Navotas police chief Superintendent Roberto Villanueva and Valenzuela City police Senior Superintendent Leopoldo Urena.

Superintendent Billy Beltran takes over Villanueva’s post while Superintendent Jose Marcelo replaces Urena.

NPD director Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. said the change in police commands is part of normal movement in the police organization and not the result of poor performance.

Villanueva served as Navotas police chief for three years.

Urena, on the other hand, already reached the mandatory retirement age. He was promoted to chief superintendent, equivalent to a one-star general, as part of his retirement privilege.

Franco urged his police chiefs to "work hard for the community and deliver results."

He also warned rogue cops within his command that he would personally run after them.

Asked whether the "normal movement" will also affect the Caloocan City and Malabon City police chiefs, Franco said he has not decided yet. – Pete Laude