A HOUSE-approved Philippine National Police Reorganization Plan will see the promotion to 2-star generals of the directors of seven more major PNP National Operational Support Units, the Journal Group learned yesterday.

The House Committee on Public Order and Safety chaired by Laguna (1st District) Representative Dan S. Fernandez has approved the proposed reorganization plan of the police force, PNP Director for Plans, Major Gen. Bernard M. Banac told the Journal Group.

According to the official, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety has adopted the report and draft bill prepared by Technical Working Group chairman, retired Police General-turned Antipolo City (2nd District) Rep. Romeo M. Acop.

“It will be presented during the plenary sessions of the House of Representatives. Hopefully, it will be categorized as Priority Bills and certified as urgent by both Houses,” said the official who has been lauded by PNP chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. for doing an excellent job in Congress.

Maj. Gen. Banac, a former PNP spokesperson who also became a PNP Training Service director and Police Regional Office 8 commander in Eastern Visayas said they have gotten the full support of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin T. Romualdez and Senate President, Senator Jose Miguel ‘Migz’ F. Zubiri in their bid to further reform the 227,000-strong police force and improve its ‘move, shoot, communicate and investigate’

As contained in the proposed amendments to Republic Act 6975 or the Department of Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, the Maritime Group, the PNP Intelligence Group, Aviation Security Group, Drug Enforcement Group, Highway Patrol Group and Forensic Group will all be headed by an official with the rank of Police Major General.

The proposed law says that the PNP-ACG director with the rank of Major General will be in-charge of the implementation of pertinent laws on cybercrimes and the anti-cybercrime campaign of the PNP and shall be assisted by a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Police Colonel.

The PNP Special Action Force which shall function as a mobile strike force or reaction unit to augment regional, provincial, municipal and city police forces for civil disturbance control, counter-insurgency, hostage-taking rescue operations and other special operations will still be headed by a Major General with a Police Brigadier General and a Colonel as his Deputy Director and Chief of Staff respectively.

The PNP Maritime Group which shall perform all police functions over Philippine territorial waters and rivers will be headed by a Police Major General who will be assisted by a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and a Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Police Colonel.

On the other hand, the PNP Intelligence Group which shall serve as the intelligence and counter-intelligence operating unit of the PNP shall be headed by a Major General with a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and a Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Colonel.

The proposed law also says that the PNP Aviation Security Group which secures the country’s airports against offensive and terroristic acts that threaten civil aviation, exercise operational control and supervision over all agencies involved in airport security operation and enforce all laws and regulations relative to air travel protection and safety will also be headed by a Police Major General.

He will be assisted by a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and a Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Police Colonel.

The proposed law also says that the PNP Drug Enforcement Group which shall enforce all laws relative to the protection of the citizenry against dangerous and other prohibited drugs and substances shall be headed by a director with the rank of Police Major General who will be assisted by a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and a Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Colonel.

The proposed law also says that the Highway Patrol Group which shall enforce traffic laws and regulations will be likewise headed by a Major General with three Police Colonels as his deputies.

It also says that the PNP Forensic Group which shall provide scientific and technical investigative aid and support to the PNP and other government investigative agencies will also be headed by a Major General to be assisted by a Deputy Director for Administration and Operations and a Chief of Staff, all with the rank of Police Colonel.

The PNP Forensic Group shall also provide forensic examination, evaluation and identification of physical evidence involved in crimes with primary emphasis on their medical, chemical biological and physical nature.

The proposed law also says that there shall likewise be established regional, director, provincial and city forensic units as may be necessary in all regions and offices of the country.

As contained in Section 35 of RA 6975, the PNP shall be supported by Administrative Support Units consist of the Crime Laboratory, Logistics Unit, Communications Unit, Computer Center, Finance Center and Civil Security Unit.

The same law says that the operational units shall be composed of the Maritime Police Unit, Police Intelligence Unit, Criminal Investigation Unit, Special Action Force, Narcotics Unit, Aviation Security Unit, Traffic Management Unit, the Medical and Dental Centers and the Civil Relations Unit.

Under the proposed law, the chief of the PNP may constitute such other national support units as may be necessary subject to the approval of the National Police Commission provided that no support unit headed by a Police Brigadier General or a higher rank can be created unless provided by law.

As contained in the proposed PNP Reorganization Bill, the PNP Academy director shall have the rank of Police Major General who will be assisted by a Deputy Director and a Chief of Staff, both with the rank of Police Brigadier General.

The PNPA Director shall supervise the Academics Group and Tactics Group which shall be headed by a Dean of Academics and Commandant of Cadets respectively with the rank of Brigadier General.

The National Police Training Unit which shall be responsible for the mandatory and leadership trainings of all police non-commissioned officers shall be headed by a Major General who will be assisted by a Deputy Director with the rank of Brigadier General and a Chief of Staff with the rank of Police Colonel.

The rest of the PNP NASUs will continue to be led by their present directors and deputies with their corresponding ranks including the Logistics Support Service, Communications and Electronics Service, Information and Technology Management Service, Finance Service, Health Service, Training Service, Retirement and Benefits Administration Service, Headquarters Support Service, Chaplain Service, Engineering Service, Legal Service and Recruitment and Selection Service.

Same with the NOSUs like the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Civil Security Group, Firearms and Explosives Office, Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies, Anti-Kidnapping Group, EOD/K9 Group, Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group and Women and Children Protection Group.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon