6 Lacson allies go on leave

At least six police generals, all closely associated with former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Panfilo Lacson, filed a leave of absence, their acting superior announced yesterday.

As this developed Presidential Spokesman Renato Corona said President Arroyo will likely make permanent the appointment of acting PNP chief Deputy Director General Leandro Mendoza following the formal resignation of Lacson.

Mendoza said he received the request for leave of directors Jewel Canson, Reynaldo Acop, Romeo Acop, Jaime de la Cruz, Victor Batac and Chief Superintendent Francisco Zubia.

The mass leave paves the way for a major revamp of the PNP hierarchy under the command of Mendoza.

"Sir Larry, hindi kami magiging problema sa iyo (We won’t be a burden to you)," the PNP chief quoted one of the generals as saying before handing over his request for leave.

The six generals had handled sensitive positions under Lacson, who had been criticized for giving top positions and promotions to his favorite men.

To prevent any demoralization among the ranks, Mendoza said all reassignments would be based on qualification and rank. – With Marichu Villanueva