Vicente Danao Jr. assigned as PNP OIC

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has designated Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. as officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday, May 5, 2022.

Danao, who is currently holding two key positions in the national police agency -- chief of the directorial staff and deputy chief for operations officer-in-charge or third and fourth man in the police ranks -- will replace General Dionardo Carlos, who is set to retire on May 8, 2022.

He is the commander of the PNP security task force for the upcoming national and local elections on May 9.

Danao, member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig class of 1991, is among the socalled Davao boys or among those who served in the Davao region during Duterte’s stint there as local government official.

Años said that under the law, the President of the republic can no longer implement a permanent appointment for “executive positions except temporary appointments if there will be an issue on public safety or it will endanger public safety or it will prejudice public service.”

He said this includes 60 days prior to the election.

Año vouched for Danao’s capability to lead the PNP especially in ensuring the conduct of a peaceful and honest election as ordered by Duterte.