Ex-PNPA chief appointed to DDB

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has appointed former Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) director Gilberto Cruz as a permanent member of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Cruz will take his oath before DDB chairman Catalino Cuy on Dec. 2.

“As member of the DDB, he will form part of the inter-agency body in charge of creating policies and developing strategies to counter the drug problem,” Cuy said in a statement.

He said Cruz is a welcome addition to the DDB, with his background as a police officer.

“His experience as a police officer, leader and manager will be of great help to the agency,” said Cuy.

Apart from serving as PNPA director, Cruz also headed the police forces in Caraga and Eastern Visayas.