Overview of the Latest PNP Leadership Shuffle
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a fresh leadership revamp affecting several regional commands across Luzon and Mindanao. The changes, approved by acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., will take effect on Monday, Oct. 6. The reshuffle places new faces at the helm of key police regional offices, signaling a strategic shift in policing priorities and organizational management across the country.
Among the notable appointments, three police generals were designated as police regional directors in different regions, including Northern Mindanao, Mimaropa, and Cagayan Valley. The move reflects the PNP leadership’s plan to refresh command structures where regional performance and coordination with local governments are critical to public safety and crime suppression.
Northern Mindanao (Police Regional Office 10)
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano was named as the new regional director of Police Regional Office 10, which covers Northern Mindanao. Abrahano previously led the CIDG, bringing experience in criminal investigations and intelligence gathering to the regional level. His appointment is expected to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, enhance crime analytics, and improve response times in urban and rural localities alike.
Mimaropa (Police Regional Office 4B)
In the Mimaropa region, Police Brig. Gen. Jovencio Badua takes over the directorate of Police Regional Office 4B. The Mimaropa region, comprising Palawan, Mindoro, Romblon, and Occidental Mindoro, faces unique challenges related to maritime security, tourism safety, and remote community policing. Badua’s background in leadership roles within the PNP suggests a focus on improving coordination with maritime authorities and local government units to address these concerns more efficiently.
Cagayan Valley (Police Regional Office 2)
Police Brig. Gen. Antonio Marallag assumes the top post of the Police Regional Office 2 in Cagayan Valley. The Cagayan Valley region has been concentrating on strengthening crime prevention, anti-drug operations, and community policing. Marallag’s appointment is seen as a move to sustain momentum in these areas and to foster closer ties with provincial officials and civic groups.
Other Notable Changes
Further reshuffles accompany the main regional director appointments. Police Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista has been named head of the Maritime Group, highlighting the PNP’s continuing emphasis on maritime security in Philippine waters. Brig. Gen. Ropy Parena moves to the Directorate for Research and Development (DRD), while Roel Rodolfo, who was replaced in Mimaropa, will take on a post at the Directorate for Logistics. Brig. Gen. Rolindo Suguilon is transferring to Camp Crame in Quezon City from Northern Mindanao, underlining the broad geographic reallocation of senior leadership within the organization.
Implications for Public Safety and Local Governance
Experts say the revamp aims to optimize resource allocation, improve cross-regional collaboration, and respond more effectively to evolving crime patterns. The relocation of experienced generals to high-need regions is expected to bolster regional task forces, streamline communications with local government units, and enhance transparency in operations. Community policing initiatives, particularly in rural and remote areas, are likely to gain greater focus as regional directors align policing strategies with local development plans.
Operational Readiness and Future Steps
With the new leadership in place, the PNP faces the challenge of maintaining continuity while implementing strategic improvements. Officials emphasize the importance of ongoing training, equipment modernization, and data-driven policing to address crime trends and ensure public trust. The administration’s goal remains clear: deliver accountable, efficient, and responsive policing across all regions, from Northern Mindanao through Mindoro to Cagayan Valley and beyond.
What’s Next?
As the new regional directors settle into their roles, stakeholders will be watching metrics on crime reduction, response times, and community engagement. The PNP will likely report early indicators of success in the coming months as the leadership completes its onboarding process and begins to implement region-specific plans.
