Mijares replaces Benitez as new Cocpo chief

THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) had changed twice its leadership in just barely four days, with the relief Saturday of Police Senior Superintendent Raul Benitez, who formally took over last Tuesday as officer-in-charge (OIC).

Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Gil Hitosis, in a radio interview, said Police Senior Superintendent Graciano Mijares assumed the post on Saturday.

Benitez replaced Superintendent Antonio Montalba, who served as OIC city police director for almost two months and is due for compulsory retirement this coming January 16.

Hitosis said Benitez assumed the post as provincial director in Misamis Occidental.

The order, according to Hitosis, is part of the re-alignment of all officials with regard to the coming May 2013 local and national elections.

Former city director Gerardo Rosales will assume as provincial director of Lanao del Norte, while Senior Superintendents Wilfredo Cayat and Rolando Benas will be assigned as provincial directors in Camiguin and Bukidnon provinces, respectively.

For his part, Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, chair of the committee on police, fire and public safety, expressed optimism that the police will not be used for political purpose. (Abigail Chee Kee Malalis)