The Philippine National Police (PNP) has confirmed that no officers will be displaced as a result of the National Police Commission’s decision to deactivate the Area Police Commands (APCs). These commands, which include Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao, were previously managed by three-star police generals.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo explained during a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, that upcoming retirements will help manage the transition. She noted that the affected generals would be reassigned to fill existing vacancies. The deactivation impacts 158 second-level personnel, ranging from lieutenant colonel to corporal, and 26 third-level officers, from lieutenant general to colonel.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil is advocating for a smooth transition, ensuring that third-level officers are placed in appropriate roles. Although the deactivation was scheduled for this month, Marbil requested additional time to prevent any displacement.
Affected personnel may be reassigned to the newly established Police Regional Office 18 or the Negros Island Region (NIR), where numerous positions, including regional director, deputies, and provincial directors, are available. Fajardo also mentioned that second-level officers could find placements in other regions or at the national headquarters.
The deactivation of APCs is expected to free up funds, which will be redirected to priority projects aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of regional offices. According to a Napolcom resolution dated December 27, 2024, the process involves the transfer of personnel, funds, documents, equipment, firearms, vehicles, facilities, and other assets, along with legal liabilities.
The Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB) will oversee the placement of affected third-level officers. The Directorate for Operations will continue to supervise and control the Police Regional Offices, maintaining established functional relationships and lines of authority as outlined in the PNP’s organizational structure.
The APCs were initially set up by the late PNP chief Camilo Cascolan in 2022 to align police operations with those of the military, which has a similar command structure.