Marcos names Peralta as PNP OIC

FILE: FULL ALERT. Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP), led by its chief, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. (2nd from left), hold a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday (Oct. 27, 2023) on the measures to ensure a peaceful balloting process on Oct. 30. (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has designated Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following the retirement of Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.

“In the exigency of the service, and to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of service, please be informed that Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Baloloy Peralta is designated as concurrent Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Chief, PNP, effective 31 March 2024, until a replacement is appointed or until otherwise directed by this office,” read a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

The memorandum, dated March 27, was addressed to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

The PNP is an attached agency of the DILG.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Peralta serves as deputy chief for administration, the police force’s second highest post.

Likewise, he has served as Chief of the Directorial Staff, and previously led the Police Regional Office 1 in Ilocos Region and the Southern Police District of Metro Manila.

Acorda was supposed to step down as the country’s top cop last December after turning 56, the compulsory age of retirement of PNP officers.

However, the President extended his term until March 31.

He will officially relinquish his post in a retirement ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.

Shortly after Malacañang confirmed Peralta’s designation, the PNP assured the public and the President of continued commitment to carrying it out its mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people.

The PNP said it will continue to uphold the principles of servant leadership and expects Peralta to “introduce additional programs aimed at enhancing our administrative and operational capabilities” in the coming days.

“We urge all members of the Philippine National Police to rally behind our new Officer-in-Charge and work together towards our shared goals of ensuring the safety and security of our fellow Filipinos,” the PNP statement read.

“Together, we will uphold the principles of service, integrity, and excellence as we fulfill our duty to serve and protect the Filipino people,” it added.

Earlier, PNP information chief and spokesperson Col.

Jean Fajardo said the 232,000-strong police will be supporting whoever will be designated as next PNP chief.

“We are prepared and in fact we are rehearsing for tomorrow’s (Monday) turnover,” Fajardo said in a radio interview. (with a report from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)