Lacson relieves Maganto, Caisip

Two police generals in Metro Manila were relieved from their posts yesterday in what appears to be the start of a reorganization of the Philippine National Police.

Metro Manila police director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay explained that Chief Superintendents Romeo Maganto and Rodolfo Caisip, heads of the Southern and Northern Police Districts respectively, were actually promoted to positions where their expertise is badly needed. "We are starting to put the right persons in the right jobs," Aglipay said in a telephone interview.

He said the movement of ranking officers is to energize the PNP not only in ridding it of scalawags and misfits but also in the fight against criminality.

The relief orders of Maganto and Caisip, signed by PNP chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson, were sent to their respective offices yesterday.

Maganto was "promoted" to PNP deputy director for plans in Camp Crame, the post vacated by Manila police head Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon Jr. He will be replaced by Senior Superintendent Manuel Cabigon, deputy chief for operations of the PNP National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).

Caisip will take over Cabigon's post. He will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Jose Bandong, deputy chief of the PNP Directorate for Logistics in Camp Crame.

The relief of Maganto came a few days after Lacson expressed disappointment over his and Chief Superintendent Romulo Sales' inability to check rampant extortion rackets of their men. Sales is head of the Central Police District which covers Quezon City.

Sources, however, could not explain why Sales was not weeded out.

A high-ranking official in Caisip's district, who requested anonymity, said Caisip's removal was the aftermath of several unsolved crimes in the district composed of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. "It's obvious he was relieved because of poor performance," the official said.

The official added that another relief in the offing is that of Valenzuela police chief Superintendent Nemesio Neron who was ordered by Aglipay to arrest SPO1 Federico Patag, wanted for the murder of Allyson Dizon, his wife, Elaine, and the wounding of their two children, Allan. 17, and Lalaine, 13, but has not been arrested up to now, way past the deadline Aglipay gave.

"Patag is an "asset" to the police and to a known local politician because of direct links with criminals, particularly drug lords. He is being protected, that is why he is still free," the official claimed.

The turnover of command from Caisip will be held at NPD headquarters in Kaunlaran Village, Caloocan City at 10:00 a.m. today. --