Dionardo Carlos assumes post as 27th PNP chief 

Police Lieutenant General Dionardo Bernardo Carlos on Friday officially took over the leadership of the 222,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP).

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año presided over the change of command ceremony held at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City. Carlos replaced Police General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Saturday.  

Carlos, a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Maringal" Class of 1988, will serve as PNP chief until his retirement on May 8, 2022.

COVID-19 response

Carlos vowed that the PNP would continue to stay among those on the frontlines of the battle against the deadly coronavirus.

"We remain in the midst of addressing a tremendous crisis in the form of an unseen enemy, the COVID-19 pandemic, that has been adversely affecting lives and livelihoods across the nation," Carlos said. 

"This is a first in PNP history, and as we strive to embrace the new normal, I will face the challenges that this situation brings, together with every member of the police force with greater fortitude and determination," he added.

He urged Filipinos "to abide by whatever rules and policies are being implemented to stem the tide of virus transmission and save our nation from further tragedy."

2022 elections

Carlos said his leadership would also focus on ensuring the orderly and peaceful conduct of the national and local elections on May 9, 2022. 

"With the Lord at the center of my service, and with only the best interests of the Filipino people foremost in my heart, I will focus on the tasks ahead.  We will perform professionally for a peaceful election," he said.

Prior to his appointment as the nation's top cop, Carlos served as the police force's spokesperson and chief of the Aviation Security Group. He was also the chief of the directorial staff, making him the fourth highest ranked police official. 

Malacañang has expressed confidence that Carlos will continue to make the PNP a professional, capable, and reform-oriented organization. 

Año said he expects Carlos to intensify efforts against illegal drugs and criminality and to end the communist armed conflict in the country.

Carlos is the seventh PNP chief under the Duterte administration. — VBL, GMA News