MANILA, Philippines – Chief Supt Marcelo Garbo Jr has been named new director of the Philippine National Police National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), replacing Chief Supt Leonardo Espina.

Espina has been appointed Chief of Directorial Staff of the PNP, tasked to assist PNP chief Alan Purisima in supervising the PNP’s directorial staff offices.

Espina took the post at the NCRPO in September 2012, replacing Purisima after the latter was promoted to the PNP top position. Garbo, on the other hand, was previously assigned in Central Visayas, or Region 7, as its police chief.

Garbo figured prominently during the suspension of former Cebu Gov Gwen Garcia in December 2012. As Central Visayas police director, he was tasked to ensure the smooth transition from Garcia to her replacement, then OIC Gov Agnes Magpale.

The Garcia clan accused him of bias in favor of the ruling Liberal Party.

The latest revamp in the PNP is due to the retirement of Police Director Arnulfo Perez who served as Director for Logistics, the earlier retirement of Deputy Director General Rommel Heredia from his position as Deputy Chief for Administration and two other star-rank officers.

Espina’s new position follows a string of movements in key positions including former PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt Generoso Cerbo Jr, who is now OIC of Region 7. He was replaced by Sr Supt Wilben Mayor. – Rappler.com