SUPERINTENDENT Armando Tubongbanua has been named caretaker of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) after officer-in-charge Senior Supt. Larry Decena stepped down from his post Friday to retire from the police service.
Today, Decena turns 56, the retirement age in the Philippine National Police.
Decena, who stayed as BCPO officer-in-charge for almost five months, served in PNP for almost 31 years.
Since Tubongbanua is deputy for city director for administration, he automatically assumes the post vacated by Decena.
Chief Supt. Alberto Supapo, deputy regional director for administration of Police Regional Office, awarded a plaque of appreciation to Decena during the “Salamat Kapatid Program” held at the BCPO headquarters Friday.
He was joined by Supt. Marcelo Bolivar, officer-in-charge of Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division.
Supapo said Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, director of PRO-Western Visaysa, assigned Tubongbanua as caretaker of BCPO effective June 13 while waiting for the appointment of another OIC.
He explained that there was no turn-over of command between Decena and Tubongbanua because the latter has been assigned only as caretaker of BCPO.
Supapo said they have already chosen the next possible OIC, but he refused to divulge his name pending confirmation from the PRO.
He said that when the new OIC will assume office, Tubongbanua will relinquish his post to him.
Reports said Senior Superintendent Pedrito Escarilla will most likely takeover as OIC.
Supapo added that the new OIC will occupy his post upon the arrival next week of Mayor Monico Puentevella, who is still abroad.
“The final say is still from the city mayor in approving the status of the BCPO chief,” he said.