Ex-PNPA director Gilberto Cruz named DDB member

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed former Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) director Gilberto Cruz as a permanent member of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), Malacañang said Thursday.

Cruz, who retired from the police service early this month, will hold the rank of undersecretary.

“The fight against illegal drugs is the centerpiece program of the Duterte administration. We therefore consider the appointment of Mr. Cruz as timely and relevant with his previous work at the Philippine National Police,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said.

In a statement, DDB Chairman Catalino Cuy said Cruz’s “experience as a commendable police officer, leader, and manager will be of great help in ensuring that policies and programs to address the drug problem remain relevant and effective.”

Cruz had also served as regional director at the Police Regional Office 13 from September 2018 to September 2019 and Police Regional Office 8 from August 2017 to May 2018. —LDF, GMA News