MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has appointed the former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) as the new Director-General of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Malacañang announced the appointment of retired Lieutenant General Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III as the new BuCor chief on Thursday, June 18. He  replaces Franklin Jesus B. Bucayu who quit his post in April, citing death threats and health as reasons.

Bucayu resigned after a National Bureau of Investigation raid on the New Bilibid Prison yielded contraband found inside luxurious prison cells of wealthy inmates. Corruption inside the NBP is only one of the many issues Cruz will face as new chief. (READ: IN PHOTOS: Drug lords, murderers, and high living in Bilibid)

Vote of confidence

In a text message to reporters, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said she recommended Cruz to Aquino. She expressed confidence that Cruz can take the helm of the corruption-laden agency.

“Given his credentials and background, I think he will be up to the challenge. And his willingness to assume such enormous task bespeaks of his strong character and high sense of duty,” De Lima said.

Cruz served as Eastmincom commander from April 2013 to September 2014.

He also served as Intelligence Officer of the Philippine Army and Task Force Davao Commander. Cruz belongs to Philippine Military Academy Class 1980. – Rappler.com