Guevarra gets nod as Justice chief; Galvez promoted to rank of general
THE COMMISSION on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Menardo I. Guevarra as Secretary of the Department of Justice (DoJ). Mr. Guevarra was named DoJ chief last April following the resignation of his predecessor, Vitaliano N. Aguirre II. Prior to his appointment. Mr. Guevarra was Malacañang’s senior deputy executive secretary. The appointments body also approved the promotion of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. to the rank of general. The battle-seasoned military officer played a key role during the Marawi siege as AFP’s Western Mindanao Command chief. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985. — Camille A. Aguinaldo
Multi-sectoral anti-crime council formed
PRIVATE BUSINESSES are teaming up with law enforcement agencies and other sectors for the establishment of the Anti-Crime Council of the Philippines (ACCP). In a statement on Wedneday, Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Jesus L. Arranza, also the chairman of the ACCP, said retired police chief Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa will he spearheading the group intended to address different forms of crime. Mr. Aranza said he requested Mr. Dela Rosa, currently the head of the Bureau of Corrections, to lead the group “to further intensify the anti-illicit trade movement.” The ACCP — which will also have members from the academe, civic and non-government groups — will draw up its objectives and priorities with various standing committees assigned to focus on a specific criminal activity. The board will be constituted in two weeks. — Janina C. Lim
New PSG head takes command
PRESIDENTIAL Security Group (PSG) Deputy Commander Colonel Jose Eriel M. Niembra assumed the servicemen’s top position in a ceremony at the Palace on Wednesday, May 30. Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. confirmed in a text message to Palace reporters on Tuesday that President Rodrigo R. Duterte has named Mr. Niembra as the next chief of the PSG. Mr. Niembra is taking over the position of Brigadier General Lope C. Dagoy, who has been appointed as commander of the 802nd Brigade based in Ormoc City, Leyte. — Arjay L. Balinbin
