Bangsamoro top cop to replace Torre in CIDG

BGen. Romeo Macapaz. Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region/Facebook

MANILA — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), previously led by now Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, will now be headed by BGen. Romeo Macapaz.

Macapaz previously served as the police regional director in Bangsamoro, a critical area in the country due to its ongoing peace-building efforts, security challenges, and its role in the broader Mindanao development agenda. The region will now be led by BGen. Jaysen De Guzman from Northern Mindanao.

PNP spokesperson and concurrent Central Luzon Police Regional Director BGen. Jean Fajardo admitted she declined the CIDG post.

Another vital unit, especially following the recent rise in Chinese kidnapping cases, is the Anti-Kidnapping Group, which will now be headed by Brig. Gen. Glicerio Cansilao. He replaces Col. David Poklay, who has been reassigned to the Intelligence Group.

They are among dozens of senior officials in the police force who received new assignments under the latest leadership reshuffle, effective June 19.

“Kailangan po nating ilagay ‘yong mga nararapat po na mga officer sa mga posisyon kung saan mas mapapakinabangan po ‘yong kanilang mga competency and skills,” Fajardo said in a phone interview. 

“Lalong-lalo po ngayon na ang direksyon po natin ay makapagbigay po ng mas mabilis na serbisyo,” she added, noting Torre’s 5-minute response policy and increased police visibility directives. 

Marcos: Not enough that public is safe, they must feel safe

Additionally, four new regional directors were appointed. 

BGen. Jack Wanky is now the new chief of the Calabarzon police, replacing Police BGen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, who was named deputy regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

Wanky will be succeeded by Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones as regional director in Western Visayas. 

Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon, the current officer-in-charge of the CIDG, was designated as the top cop in Northern Mindanao. 

Brig. Gen. Joseph Arguelles has been named head of Davao Region police, the bailiwick of the Dutertes who are critical to the Marcos administration. 

In Metro Manila, Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad was named the new head of the Northern Police District, which covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela. 

Brig. Gen. Randy Arceo was designated as head of the Southern Police District (SPD), which has jurisdiction over Pasay City, Parañaque City, Makati City, Taguig City, Las Piñas City, and Pateros.