PNP implements top-level revamp

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented a top-level revamp following the retirement of Deputy Director Geary Barias on Thursday. Barias, PNP's deputy chief for administration, bowed out of service after reaching the mandatory age requirement of 56. His retirement will take effect on March 1. As second in command, Barias exercised the duties delegated to him by the PNP chief. He will be replaced by outgoing Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano as head of the deputy chief for administration. Deputy Director Edgardo Acuña will assume Soriano's post as directorate for operations, while the post Acuña vacated will be turned over to Director Perfecto Palad. Palad's promotion makes him the first member of the Philippine Military Academy class 1977 to occupy a post at the PNP top brass. The PNP leadership has yet to name the replacement of Palad as commander of the PNP directorate for integrated police operations (DIPO)–Southern Luzon, according to Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina.—Aie Balagtas See/JV, GMANews.TV