lucky7 Election period starts after key PNP revamp

CONCERTED EFFORT Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil (third from left) speaks about security concerns for the May elections. —Lyn Rillon

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Saturday announced a leadership reshuffle on the eve of the start of the official election period for the May 12 elections.

The revamp was outlined in two orders, dated Jan. 8 and Jan. 10, and involved 14 officials in five regions and key offices based at the PNP’s Camp Crame headquarters.

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In the Jan. 10 directive, Marbil assigned Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan to lead the Central Visayas regional police office, while former PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, was named to succeed Maranan as Central Luzon police chief.

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Fajardo will be replaced by Col. Randolf Tuaño as acting PNP spokesperson and Information Office chief.

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The order also named Brig. Gen. Roel Rodolfo, who was earlier named head of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group in the Jan. 8 order, was regional police director of the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

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Rodolfo will be replaced by Col. Elmer Ragay at the Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta is now officer in charge of the Highway Patrol Group, with Col. Rolando Cuya Jr. replacing him as head of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group.

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Other new appointees are Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding as deputy director of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta as deputy director of the Directorate for Information and Communications Technology, and Brig. Gen. William Segun as deputy director of the PNP Area Police Command in Southern Luzon.

Aside from Rodolfo, the Jan. 8 order also appointed Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia to lead the Aviation Security Group and Brig. Gen. Ramil Montilla to the Headquarters Support Services.

Meanwhile, Col. Mariano Rodriguez was designated acting deputy regional director for administration of the Davao regional police office and Col. Arnold Santiago acting deputy regional director for administration of Soccsksargen region.

On Thursday, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia said more than 400 areas nationwide have been identified as “areas of concern” for the May elections.

Election security

There is a possibility that 38 areas under the “red” category might eventually be placed under Comelec control, he added.

The appointments were announced the day before the start of the official election period when reassignments, suspensions or transfers of civil service officials and employees are generally prohibited.

The 120-day election period was determined by the Comelec last year under Resolution No. 10999, which set the election period from Jan. 12 to June 11, 2025.

Activities prohibited during the election period from Jan. 12 to June 11 include the bearing, carrying, or transporting firearms or other deadly weapons, unless authorized in writing by the commission.

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The use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidate, unless authorized in writing by the commission is also prohibited.

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By the closing bell, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) shed 0.27 percent, or 19.46 points, to 7,155.90.

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The 90-day campaign period for senatorial and party-list candidates will start from Feb. 11 until May 10lucky7, 2025.

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