POLICE Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao has been named acting PNP deputy chief of staff for operations, the third highest position in the police force.
Danao’s designation came after his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, reached the retirement age of 56 yesterday after taking over the post about two months ago.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Danao will serve as the PNP deputy chief for operations, in acting and concurrent capacity as chief directorial staff (PNP’s No. 4 man), because his paper is yet to be approved by President Duterte.
“It’s still for the approval of the President. But since General Divina is already retired, General Danao will be taking it (post of Divina) as OIC (officer in charge), pending the approval of the president,” said Año.
Danao assumed the post of chief directorial staff on March 1. Before that, he was director of the National Capital Region Police Office.
“He will handle both positions (PNP deputy chief for operations and PNP chief directorial staff), pending designation or guidance from the President,” Año said.
As acting PNP deputy chief for operations, Danao will also serve as commander of the PNP National Task Force for Safe 2022 Elections.
Año said Danao, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, is well qualified to be the No. 3 man in the PNP as he is the “most senior” who can take over the job.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said he has also recommended Danao for the post of PNP deputy chief for operations.
“I already submitted the recommendation so definitely, Lt. Gen. Vic Danao will be promoted (in position),” said Carlos.
There was still no word who had been recommended to succeed Danao as PNP chief directorial staff.
