Mendoza’s men out; Ebdane’s men in

The long-awaited revamp in the Philippine National Police (PNP) started yesterday at Camp Crame with the trusted man of former PNP chief and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Leandro Mendoza eased out of his post.

Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dapat, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region (CIDG-NCR) was replaced yesterday by Senior Superintendent Don Montenegro.

The turn-over of command was administered yesterday afternoon by CIDG chief Director Nestorio Gualberto, another Mendoza protegee. Montenegro, who was formerly assigned at the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF) is closely identified with Ebdane while Dapat is associated with Mendoza.

"Nag-umpisa na ang pinakahihintay (what we are waiting has begun)," Camp Crame support unit commanders described Montenegro’s taking over the command of the CIDG-NCR.

Montenegro’s sudden assumption as chief of the CIDG-NCR surprised everybody as he only called in for a courtesy call last Monday for him being detailed at the CIDG. Aside from Dapat, another officer identified with the group of Mendoza was also suddenly ousted from his post last Monday.

Senior Superintendent Noel Delos Reyes, chief of the PNP’s Intelligence and Research Center (PNP-IRC) whose unit is based at the National Police headquarters, got the surprise of his life when he received his walking papers. He was replaced by Superintendent Rodolfo Asuncion, another protegee of Ebdane.

"We don’t question the wisdom of the revamp and we are all willing to go. What we just wanted for now is for us to be informed ahead of our impending relief, para makapagbalot-balut naman kami (for us to be able to pack)," several officials aligned with Mendoza said. But several officials claimed that over-eager officials who were formerly assigned with NAKTAF are now throwing their weight on their colleagues.

"All we need is simple courtesy. It’s quite disgusting that these officers came into our offices for the traditional courtesy call but were armed with accompanying orders of their specific assignments," they noted.

Traditionally, an official who comes from the outside but chosen to head a post from a certain police unit usually reports for a courtesy call at the said unit before an order for him to assume a certain position is issued, they said.