TWO police generals on Friday got additional stars in a simple ceremony at Camp Crame witnessed by Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.

Lieutenant Gen. Jonnel C. Estomo and Major Gen. Ronald O. Lee took their oath of office along with newly-promoted Brigadier Generals Antonio P. Marallag Jr. and Ramil R. Montilla.

Estomo is the commander of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao while Lee is the director of the PNP Human Resource and Doctrine Development.

Marallag is the director of the PNP Headquarters Support Service while Montilla is the Executive Officer of the APC-Eastern Mindanao.

Marallag is a member of PNP Academy ‘Sandigan’ Class of 1994 while Montilla belongs to PNPA ‘Tagapaglunsad’ Class of 1993.

The four were among the scores of senior PNP officials whose promotion was delayed for months.

Marallag was hit by promotions delay for nearly a year while Lee is a former PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director who was supposed to earn his 2nd star when he was relieved of his post in January 2023.

Lee thanked Acorda for completely coming to his defense.

Acorda also said that Estomo was right when he said that having more stars on their shoulders carry a much bigger responsibility.

He particularly said that the 4-stars on his shoulders literally became heavier when he got a 3-month term extension that will end on March 31.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended Acorda’s term, citing his good performance and loyalty.

Estomo praised Acorda for his generosity and in sharing his precious time with them and his ‘influence’ to help people like him.

Acorda appealed to the newly-promoted officials and his men to think of the country as they continue wearing their badges and uniforms.

President Marcos Jr. approved the promotion of the four following a recommendation from Acorda and the National Police Commission chaired by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr.

Sec. Abalos said they will expedite procedures related to the promotion of PNP officers. According to the DILG chief, he has directed Napolcom to impose a 30-working day deadline on the matter.

“All promotions must be acted upon within 30 days. Either the promotion is denied or approved, there should be an action within 30 days,” he said.

“There are many gaps. Let us improve on things. We have to work together. Just inform me what we should do about it because you know the situation better,” he said.