LT. Gen. Manuel Abu, director of the PNP Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao, has been designated as chief of the PNP Directorial Staff, the fourth highest position in the police organization.
Abu, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1989, took over one of two other posts held by Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. who is now PNP officer-in-charge.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said Danao approved Abu’s new designation last Saturday and it took effect on Sunday.
Abu assumed the post of director of the Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao in May last year. He also served as director of the Area Police Command-Southern Luzon, of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao regional police office, and of the PNP Headquarters Support Service.
It was not immediately clear who will be succeeding Abu as director of the Area Police Command-Eastern Mindanao.
Abu’s rise in the PNP leadership eased the burden on Danao who has been handling three key positions in the PNP.
Danao assumed the post of chief directorial staff on March 1 this year. On May 2, he was named concurrent PNP deputy chief for operations, the third highest post in the PNP. On May 6, he was designated PNP officer-in-charge, replacing now retired Dionardo Carlos.
Danao will serving as officer-in-charge at least until June 30 when the new president assumes power.
