Faeldon deemed resigned from defense post

MANILA, Philippines — How do you solve a problem like Nicanor Faeldon?

“No. Not us. He’s no longer with us,” said an insider at the Department of National Defense (DND) when asked about Faeldon’s government employment status.

Faeldon, a former Marine captain, has yet to report to his new assignment as director of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) vice former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa, who resigned to run for senator in next year’s elections.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been asking for Faeldon’s whereabouts after President Duterte transferred him from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), where he was deputy administrator for operations.

“As far as we are concerned, he is no longer connected with us at the defense department. He even bade farewell to Defense Secretary (Delfin) Lorenzana after the President picked him to be the next BuCor director,” one defense insider said.

DOJ Secretary Menardo Gueverra on Friday complained that Faeldon has not reported to his new post. He added that he will be discussing this matter with the President.

Talks at Camp Aguinaldo have it that Faeldon, for still unknown reasons, went on vacation after his transfer to the BuCor from the OCD last month.

“Matigas talaga ulo nyan. Mahihirapan si Secretary Guevarra dyan (He’s really stubborn. Sec. Guevarra will really have a difficult time),” said one military insider, referring to Faeldon.

There were also claims that Faeldon dislikes Guevarra.

Camp Aguinaldo insiders likewise described Faeldon not only as hardheaded but a hardcore ex-Marine officer.

Faeldon reportedly maintains close relations with the President as well as the entire presidential family.

He resigned as Customs commissioner when the smuggling of shabu worth P6.4 billion happened under his watch. For his actuations during the Senate inquiry into the issue, he was ordered detained in the Senate.

For his continued misbehavior during the inquiry, Faeldon was ordered transferred to the Pasay City police detention facility but he was subsequently released.

Following his release from policy custody, Duterte gave Faeldon a new job as OCD deputy administrator for operations, an agency under the DND.