Acorda named PAOCC chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has appointed former Philippine National Police chief Benjamin Acorda as the new head of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

Acorda replaced PAOCC executive director Gilbert Cruz, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro announced yesterday. No reason was given for the change.

Castro said Cruz would be given a new post.

Cruz said he is waiting for his next assignment from Malacañang.

Created under Executive Order No. 295 in 2000, the PAOCC was tasked to adopt measures to ensure an effective anti-crime drive as well as to identify and prosecute criminal groups and their protectors in government.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, Acorda served as PNP chief from April 2023 to March 2024. He also headed the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.

Cruz, a former chief of the PNP Academy, was appointed as PAOCC head in January 2023.

Cruz led the crackdown on Philippine offshore gaming operators upon the directive of President Marcos for a ban on POGO amid the spate of human trafficking and other criminal activities. – Emmanuel Tupas