PNP’s chief publicist is new Quezon City Police District head

MANILA, Philippines — The chief publicist of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is the new commander of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. designated Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan as QCPD director, replacing Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

Replacing Maranan as chief of the PNP’s Public Information Office (PIO) is Col. Jean Fajardo, the police force’s spokesperson since January 2022.

Based on Maranan’s appointment order, his new assignment took effect on Aug. 31, a day after Torre resigned form his post amid criticisms from the public that he gave special treatment to Wilfredo Gonzales, a gun-wielding dismissed policeman who figured in a road rage incident involving a cyclist last Aug. 8.

Maranan, a graduate of the PNP Academy Class of 1995, was previously assigned as the QCPD’s deputy director for operations.

As the top cop in Quezon City, Maranan has overall supervision and control over the QCPD’s 16 police stations.

Fajardo, a graduate of PNPA Class of 1996, is the first female chief publicist of the PNP.

Fajardo, who is also a lawyer, had stints as police director of Pampanga and deputy director for operations of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group.

As the PIO chief, Fajardo is in charge of the official news releases of the police organization. She is also authorized to speak to journalists on matters concerning their organization.

She is known for her quick responses on issues facing the police force and being accessible to reporters covering the PNP.