Amid intensified rainfall and the looming threat of multiple low-pressure areas within and outside the Philippine area of responsibility, Malacañang on Wednesday confirmed the designation of a new acting chief to oversee the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that Assistant Secretary Rafaelito Alejandro IV has been appointed Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the OCD, replacing former Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno.
“Yes, we have an OIC now. It is Assistant Secretary Rafaelito Alejandro IV. He is currently overseeing the Office of Civil Defense,” Castro said during a press briefing, responding to questions on disaster preparedness amid the active weather systems.
Nepomuceno left his post as OCD administrator after President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. appointed him as new Bureau of Customs chief, replacing Bienvenido Rubio as part of the administration’s “revamp” to improve government services.
The announcement comes as torrential rains continue to affect various regions, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. The OCD plays a critical role in coordinating disaster response and preparedness nationwide.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Palace names Rafaelito Alejandro IV as new Civil Defense OIC”
