Reyes’ appointment halts PNP reshuffle

Where will the cards fall?

Now that National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force chief Angelo Reyes has been named secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), officials of the Philippine National Police are adopting a wait-and-see stance with regards to the PNP’s impending reshuffle.

Some contenders for regional and provincial posts are reportedly in a quandary as they begin realigning forces with Reyes, sources within the PNP said.

However, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao said politics is not part of the operations of the PNP, though he had earlier admitted that elected politicians’ approval is needed for the placement of new police chiefs and provincial directors.

He issued these statements even as another PNP official said there has been "jockeying for positions" at the PNP.

This early, the retirement orders of PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. are being readied by his office in preparation for his retirement in December.

The issuance of retirement orders four to six months before a police officer is due to retire is part of the PNP’s standard operating procedures, officials said. "This is to allow the necessary police offices to prepare the documents needed for the release of retirement benefits," a police officer explained.

It remains unclear whether Ebdane will be retained in his post as PNP chief or will be given a Cabinet portfolio, possibly the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), by President Arroyo.

Ebdane said in an earlier interview that he serves at the pleasure of the President.

With Reyes coming in at DILG, movements within the PNP will be suspended temporarily, sources said.

Other police officials expressed concern over the possible placement of retired military officers in key and sensitive positions within the DILG, National Police Commission (Napolcom) and other agencies under the DILG. – Christina Mendez and Jaime Laude