THREE weeks after becoming the 29th chief of the Philippine National Police, General Benjie Acorda completed his new Command Group composed of an upperclassman and two classmates from Philippine Military Academy ‘Sambisig’ Class of 1991.

Of course, everybody knows that Gen. Acorda retained his senior from PMA ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989, Lieutenant Gen. Rhodel Sermonia. However, he designated his mistahs, Lt. Gen. Mike Dubria and Major Gen. Emmanuel Peralta as the new PNP Deputy Chief for Operations and PNP Chief of Directorial Staff respectively.

With his new position as the 4th-highest official, Maj. Gen. Peralta will get his 3rd-star and I know that the former PNP Director for Operations is really up to the task, having the ability, motivation and desire to do something difficult.

I’m saying this because as PNP-TCDS, Maj. Gen. Peralta will be the PNP’s Bastonero’ or stickman who will be the alter ego of Gen. Acorda in imposing discipline among all 3rd-Level Officers and the rest of the PNP rank-and-file.

He is known for his vast experience in the field of operations and administration. Peralta also used to be a former Police Regional Office 1 director in Ilocos-Pangasinan region, was once the chief of the Southern Police District chief and a former Cotabato Provincial Police Office director.

I was listening when in his assumption speech, the new PNP-TCDS expressed his sincere gratitude to Gen. Acorda for entrusting to him with the vital responsibility of overseeing the 11 Directorates of the PNP.

“I urge each and every one of you to support the Chief, PNP and work together towards the successful implementation of the 5-Focused Agenda of the Chief PNP. Let us stand united as the lead law enforcement agency and focus our collective efforts on uplifting the morale of every personnel, improving the image of our organization, prioritizing the best interests of the public, and, above all, genuinely regaining the trust of the Filipino people in the PNP,” he said.

According to Peralta, “to bring our organization into harmony, it is important for those in administrative functions to ensure that the necessary support for our personnel is readily available and adequate. Likewise, those in operations must diligently supervise the functional units and police regional offices, while formulating responsive policy frameworks.”

“Further, it is crucial that operations officers perform their duties with integrity, and never tarnish or bring disgrace to the name of the PNP organization, he added.

It was the 1st time that I hear a new PNP-TCDS giving a warning to members of the force. “Any personnel engaging in illegal activities under the guise of legitimate police operations will be dealt with accordingly, and their Commanders will be held accountable under the principle of Command Responsibility,” he said.

“Directorates, I expect all Directors to lead by example, uphold the highest standards of professionalism as public servants, and demonstrate a strong commitment to service. As you lead your personnel, consistently emphasize that our actions and decisions must always align with our mission of ensuring the safety and security of our fellow citizens and must contribute to the development of our country,” he added.

“Further, Directors must demonstrate leadership, not only through their words, but also through their strong commitment and consistent actions, embodying the core values of the PNP: service, honor, and justice,” he explained.

Maj. Gen. Peralta said that there is also a need for all officials to identify and address any administrative or operational issues and adhere to the established rules and procedures to ensure accountability for their actions.

“As we prepare for the upcoming barangay elections, our role is critical, particularly in light of the recent killings of government officials. To the Quad Staff, let us intensify our efforts to prevent any further incidents of violence and ensure that our fellow citizens can exercise their right to vote without any threat, fear, or intimidation. Other D-staff members shall support and fulfill their respective functions to ensure a peaceful election,” he said.

“In conclusion, there is still much work to be done. But by working together, with a shared purpose and strong dedication to service, we can confidently assure the Filipino people that our organization will achieve its mission with excellence.Again, let us remain united. We have the power to make a significant and positive impact on the safety, security, and development of our nation,” he ended.

Last week saw Lt. Gen. Dubria returning as the PNP’s 3rd highest official or the PNP-DCO.

On the other hand, former Police Regional Office 6 director in Western Visayas, Brigadier Gen. Leo Francisco of PMA ‘Tanglaw-Diwa’ Class of 1992 replaced Maj. Gen. Peralta as PNP Director for Operations, a position which will earn the latter his 2nd-star.

Francisco’s mistah, erstwhile PNP-DCO, Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo on the other hand assumed his new post as PNP Director for Plans vice another PMA Class 1992 member, Maj. Gen. Bernie . Banac who is now the new PNP Director for Information Communications and Technology Management.

Maj. Gen. Estomo, a major contender for the top PNP post vacated by now retired Gen. Jun Azurin was gracious and gentleman enough to accept his new position. He thanked Gen. Acorda for being given the opportunity to lead a key PNP office and vowed to equal if not surpass the accomplishments made by Maj. Gen. Banac.

PRO9 LED BY BRIG. GEN. ALINSANGAN NOW ‘PGS-INSTITUTIONALIZED’

On a personal note, I would like to congratulate another friend-member of PMA Class 1991, Brig. Gen. Neil. Alinsañgan after the Westenr Mindanao police force was conferred its Performance Governance System or PGS-Institutionalized status after passing a series of evaluation by the Center for Police Strategy and Management.

The Western Mindanao police force’s ‘Institutionalized’ status was described by Gen. Acorda as a significant milestone in its journey towards genuine reform and transformation

Lt. Gen. Sermonia led the conferment of the PGS-Institutionalized status to the PRO9 as he commended the Western Mindanao police force’s efforts in implementing the long-term transformation strategy, the PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 – “Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding of the Rule-of-Law.”

The Institutionalization Evaluation Process, a crucial pathway in the PGS Journey, aims to assess the overall performance of PNP offices and units across the country and evaluates the accomplishment of targets and the implementation of strategic initiatives, resulting in the attainment of breakthrough results.

The PRO9 was lauded for the numerous breakthroughs in their PGS. Among the Western Mindanao police force’s most notable accomplishments include a reduction in crime rates, exceptional crime clearance and solution efficiency, increased public trust, safety and satisfaction as evidenced by their Regional Safety Index.

The PRO9 also became known for consistently conducting morale and welfare activities for its men which are reflected in their discipline, financial, and logistical indices. Furthermore, they have established strengthened partnerships with local government units, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the PRO9 Advisory Group, chaired by Engineer Jaydrick Johnson Yap.

The commendable achievements are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the previous Regional Directors and personnel of PRO9,” Lt. Gen. Sermonia said. The PNP’s No. 2 official said that the conferment of the Institutionalized Status to the PRO9 brings additional responsibility to the local police force to sustain their transformation efforts and ensure that all personnel are well-versed in strategic initiatives.

This includes fostering a deep understanding of the organization’s mission, vision, and core values, he said. Lt. Gen. Sermonia emphasized the significance of the PGS certification process, drawing from his own experience as a police officer who personally experience the benefits of the implementation of PATROL Plan 2030.

He also acknowledged that the process affirms the continuous practice of good governance within the PNP. The conferment of PGS Institutionalized Status to the PRO9 likewise is as a challenging reminder to all members of the PNP, the official said. It is an urging call to actively participate and cooperate in bringing the organization closer to its vision of becoming a highly capable, effective, and credible police force, he said. I fully agree.