NEWLY-APPOINTED Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) director, Brigadier General Eliseo DC Cruz has called on his men to further raise the bar of excellence in delivering to the public what they have been trained to do: investigate and solve crimes as soon as possible.

“I call on the support of the hardworking men and women of CIDG. From this day forward, let us raise the bar of excellence in delivering efficient and effective investigative and detective services to our community,” said the incoming Major General and member of Philippine Military Academy ‘Bigkis Lahi’ Class of 1990.

Cruz was the erstwhile Deputy Commander of the Area Police Command-Visayas before he was designated last March 1 by PNP chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos to head the PNP-CIDG following the retirement of Major Gen. Albert Ignatius D. Ferro.

He also commanded the Southern and Northern Police Districts, PNP Highway Patrol Group and the Police Regional Office 4-A in Calabarzon.

The new PNP-CIDG director asked his men to ensure they will be guided by the ‘3 Ds’ of Gen. Carlos when it comes to the performance of their mandated tasks.

Let us ensure D-iscipline in our ranks, observe proper D-ecorum at all times, and every member of the group must D-instinctly contribute towards the attainment of the goals of the PNP organization. Adhering with this guidance, for sure, we can never go wrong,” he said.

“We have a lot of things to do. Currently, we are dealing with the controversial case of missing persons involved in online sabong. As the families cry their pleas for help, and as we face the senators during Senate hearing, I enjoin all the officers involved not to be complacent but instead double your efforts, leave no stone unturned as we seek for truth and justice,” the official emphasized.

During a Senate hearing last Friday, the PNP-CIDG director said they have identified at least 14 members of a security agency as suspects in the disappearance of six persons were believed involved in game-fixing at the Manila Area in Sta. Ana, Manila.

Cruz told the Senate committee headed by former PNP chief-turned Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ M. dela Rosa that they have already gotten hold of a ‘vital witness’ wo issued a statement that he had seen six of the suspects loading the missing persons into a gray van at the basement of the Manila Area last January 13.

Although he did not name the suspects pending the filing of kidnapping charges against them, the PNP-CIDG director said they consider the testimony made by the witness as a ‘breakthrough’ in their ongoing investigation into the case of the 31 missing ‘sabungeros.’

Brig. Gen. Cruz said he wants all his men in the field to brace the challenges that will confront them with the May 9 national and local elections fast-approaching and political rivalries all over the country expected to be more intense.

“I want all personnel in the field to brace the challenges as we have a huge task of investigating inevitable election-related incidents, with strict adherence to the rule of law, let us prove to the people we serve that they have a police force, particularly an investigative arm, that they can depend on which the public truly deserve,” he said.

The official expressed confidence that with the cooperation, hard work and dedication of his men, coupled with the support of Gen. Carlos and the unceasing guidance of the Lord Almighty, they will be able to fully accomplish their mission.

Brig. Gen. Cruz thanked Gen. Carlos for giving him the rare privilege of leading the CIDG and added he was deeply honored to be back again to lead the premier investigative arm of the PNP with his experience and familiarity with the job.

It was also Gen. Carlos who also gave him the opportunity to get his 2nd star when he appointed him as Area Police Command-Visayas deputy commander.

He also thanked his wife Letlet and children Ciaeli, Juneli and Joriel for serving as his inspirations.

“Truly, CIDG is very special to me. Spending my junior years in this Group honed my investigative skills as an officer in the PNP. And now, as I speak before you as your director, I can’t help but fondly turn back time as I reminisce those challenging and productive years,” Cruz said.

During his younger years, Cruz was designated as CIDG provincial officer in five provinces in Calabarzon and Central Luzon regions and two districts in the National Capital Region.

As a result of his fine performance, he was awarded as CIDG Provincial Officer of the Year-Nationwide in 2003. In 2019, Cruz was designated as PNP-CIDG deputy director for administration too before returning to the PNP-HPG.

“And now, I am more excited to be back to my once considered home and serve at the highest level of command as your Group Director,” he said.

“The experiences, skills and knowledge I gained for having been assigned here from my Captain to Police Lieutenant Colonel years and as DDA give me more enthusiasm to accept the challenge of becoming your Director. Needless to say, with the familiarity I gained in this craft, I know in my mind and in my heart that I can perform well as your director. But of course, I cannot do this alone,” he said in mustering the full support and cooperation of his officers and men.

Cruz also credited the now retired Maj. Gen. Ferro for his competent and effective stewardship of the PNP-CIDG from January 30, 2021 to last March 1.