Estrada swears in Lacson as three-star general

Philippine National Police chief Panfilo Lacson was sworn in yesterday by President Estrada as deputy director general - the equivalent of a three-star rank in the Armed Forces - along with eight new military generals.

Meanwhile, in a move that could generate some resentment in the ranks, the President approved Lacson's recommendation to extend for one year the tour of duty of Chief Superintendent Roberto Calinisan, police commander for Central Luzon.

The extension is allowed under the law, Lacson said.

Calinisan was a task force commander in the defunct Presidential Anti- Crime Commission under then Vice President Joseph Estrada.

A year ago, Calinisan lost a Pajero with guns and checks to thieves in Quezon City.

Mr. Estrada swore in Lacson during mass oathtaking rites held at Malacañang in the presence of Interior and Local Government Secretary Alfredo Lim.

Also sworn in were Maj. Gen. Santiago R. Madrid; Rear Admirals Erlinda A. Erolin and Guillermo G. Wong; and Brig. Gens. Guillermo Lorenzo, Eduardo L. Purificacion; Emmanuel R. Teodosio; Librado S. Ladia; and Orlando G. Buenaventura.

The President also administered the oath of office to newly appointed Ombudsman for the Military Orlando Casimiro, and to Melanio C. Rojas Jr. and Estela Perlas Bernabe as judges of the regional trial courts of Ilocos Sur and Makati.

Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado and AFP Chief Gen. Angelo Reyes joined the President in the ceremonies.