PNP’s No. 3 retires; NCRPO chief refuses higher post

The Philippine National Police’s third in command retired yesterday, triggering a reshuffle of high-ranking PNP officers.

Deputy Director General Reynaldo Varilla, PNP  Deputy Chief for Operations (DCO), formally retired from the police service yesterday upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 56.

Varilla was replaced by Deputy Director General Emmanuel Carta during a simple turnover ceremony at the PNP national headquarters presided over by acting PNP chief Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa.

Carta’s position as PNP Chief Directorial Staff (CDS) was taken over by Deputy Director General Ismael Rafanan, whose third-star rank was approved by President Arroyo last Friday.

PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the latest revamp in the PNP command structure is expected to improve the anti-crime campaign and bring the police closer to the people.

Varilla, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1974, served more than 38 years in the military and police service. Upon his retirement, he was conferred the Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal) in recognition of his career achievement.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila police chief Director Geary Barias begged off from getting appointed to the fourth highest position in the PNP, where he can get promoted to three-star rank.

PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. reportedly asked Barias if he is interested in getting the PNP-CDS post.

And if Barias is appointed as CDS, Chief Superintendent Jeffrey Soriano, chief of the PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detection Management, was supposed to become the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).

“This is a rare case when a police officer does not want to be promoted. The PNP CDS is the fourth in command, what is there in the NCRPO that Barias could not leave?” asked a source, who hinted that Barias could have made the decision over a million reasons.  – Cecille Suerte Felipe