PNP to put up command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila

Miami
October 10, 2008
Story: PNP to put up command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police will put up six command centers in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Metro Manila to have more effective management on the operations of the police.

The command centers will be called Integrated Police Operations Directorates. According to Police Director Edgardo Acuna, executive director of Program Management Office (PMO), the organization for the Integrated Police Operations Directorates is being discussed already at the House of Representatives and Senate for approval.

“According to RA 8551, our organization would have to seek the approval of the legislative agenda of the PNP from both Houses,” Acuna explained adding that they are expecting that the House will approve it soon.

The Integrated Police Operations Directorates has resemblance to that of the military, “This will have the semblance of the military's area command, so when our PNP director and AFP commanders talk, there is a one-to-one correspondence,” he said.

Not later than November 15, the PNP will set-up two Integrated Police Operations Directorates in Mindanao; the Eastern and Western Mindanao. The Eastern Mindanao command center will cover regions 9, 10, and 11, and will have its office in Davao City; while the Western Mindanao command center will cover regions 12, 13, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and will be based in Lanao del Norte.

They will first launch the Mindanao command centers for more peacekeeping and community building for the residents at the area. Acuna also clarified that they will not join the military in offensive.

The Integrated Police Operations Directorates will be headed with a rank of Police Director and the deputy would be a Chief Superintendent.

The Luzon will have two Integrated Police Operations Directorates also, one in Northern Luzon and the other in Southern Luzon; one in Metro Manila and one in Visayas.