A minor change takes place in the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy as an offshoot of the retirement on Monday of its deputy chief of operations (DCO).
Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, head of the PNP directorial staff, takes over in acting capacity as deputy chief of operations vice Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Divina who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Divina bows out of service just six days before the retirement of chief PNP Gen. Dionardo Carlos on May 8.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano said Danao’s dual role in the PNP would still need the approval of President Duterte.
Ano explained that Danao, being the most senior police officer, may assume the DCO post “by the operation of the law.’’
He stressed the importance of filling up the vacancy, saying that the DCO head is also the commander of the National Task Force (NTF) for the May 9 local and national elections.
Año said Carlos’ tenure as PNP chief may only be extended in times of war or national emergency declared by Congress.
“Those are the guidelines and of course the legal office of Malacañang will assess if there is any violation of the law, but the election may be considered as a special emergency situation. So it depends on how it will be treated and what is the appreciation of President Duterte on the matter,’’ Año said.
Año has forwarded to Malacanang the names of two nominees to the top PNP post after Carlos stepped down.
