Courtesy: QCPD
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced a postponement of the planned deactivation of five Area Police Commands (APCs) until December 16th.
Originally scheduled to cease operations on Monday, October 9th, the deactivation will now affect over 180 police officers, including five three-star generals, after PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III deferred the decision based on recommendations from the PNP Command Group.
This postponement allows for the continuation of essential security operations, particularly in Western Mindanao, where preparations for crucial upcoming elections are underway.
The postponement directly impacts the APCs in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Western Mindanao, and Eastern Mindanao.
The decision to defer the deactivation was largely driven by the need to maintain security and stability in Western Mindanao ahead of the Bangsamoro region’s first parliamentary elections on October 13th.
Lieutenant General Bernard Banac, chief of the APC-Western Mindanao and concurrent chief of Task Force Bangsamoro, welcomed the decision, assuring that regional, provincial, and city mobile forces under his command are fully prepared to secure the elections.
The postponement also provides the PNP with additional time to manage the transition and reassignment of personnel affected by the restructuring.
The deactivation of the APCs is part of a broader PNP initiative to streamline the police force and improve efficiency. While the postponement delays the implementation of this restructuring, it prioritizes the immediate need to maintain public order and security during a critical electoral period.
The PNP’s decision highlights the delicate balance between organizational restructuring and the essential need to maintain effective law enforcement during sensitive political events. The December 16th deadline allows for a more controlled and less disruptive transition, minimizing potential disruptions to public safety and security operations.
