By Chito Chavez
Two retired police generals have been appointed to the Duterte Cabinet as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) welcomed their designation as the agency’s new undersecretary and assistant secretary.
Appointed by President Duterte are former Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) director Bernardo C. Florece Jr. and former PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) in Western Mindanao Director Manuel B. Felix as new DILG Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary, respectively.
DILG officer-in-charge General Eduardo Año (Credits: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau / MANILA BULLETIN)
“On behalf of the DILG family, my sincerest congratulations to retired police generals Florece and Felix on your appointment in the DILG. I am confident that both of you will be an asset to Team DILG and significantly contribute to the attainment of the department’s campaign against criminality, illegal drugs, corruption and terrorism as well as in the drive for continuing excellence in local governance,” DILG officer-in-charge (OIC) Eduardo M. Año said.
The two appointees join outgoing chief PNP Ronald “Bato’’ dela Rosa as the new appointees of President Duterte.
Florece is the new undersecretary for pace and order, a position previously held by former Undersecretary Catalino S. Cuy who is now head of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
As Undersecretary for Peace and Order, Florece will advise Año on matters concerning public security.
“This I will do with enthusiasm and conviction,” Florece said.
Meanwhile, Felix looks forward to work in the DILG as assistant secretary saying that “It’s an honor to be part of the DILG family and a privilege to work and share the same vision as its dedicated men and women in serving our people and beloved country."
“I will definitely work closely with OIC Ed Año having come from the same institution which molded us and of course, be guided with the superior and subordinate professional relationship,” Felix said.
Rising through the ranks
Before their appointment to the DILG, Florece served as the vice president and board director of the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI) while Felix acted as the director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO).
Florece’s career began as a platoon leader and, later, company commander of various units in the now defunct Philippine Constabulary in Bicol, which later on boosted him through the ranks during his years at the Philippine National Police (PNP), holding the position of division chief of different offices at the Camp Crame Headquarters.
He became the Administrative/Logistics/Comptrollership Division Chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), formerly known as National Drug Law Enforcement and Prevention Coordinating Center (NDLEPC), and was soon assigned as the special assistant to the executive director of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).
Later on, he was placed on special detail with the Anti-Smuggling Intelligence and Investigation Center as its assistant chief.
In November 2011, he assumed the position of Secretary to the Directorial Staff of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) where he was promoted to star rank as Chief Superintendent.
His last assignment in the PNP was at the PCRG as its director.
Meanwhile, Felix began as a Lieutenant at the Philippine Constabulary after he graduated from PMA, becoming Regional Captain of the Quezon Constabulary and the Mindoro Oriental Constabulary later on.
Felix then became the Chief Inspector of the Mindoro Oriental PNP Command and Provincial Office.
Later, he was assigned at the Laguna Police Provincial Office.
Slowly climbing the police service ladder, Felix was promoted to Police Superintendent then Police Senior Superintendent of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership/Logistics/Police Community Relations.
Beginning 2012, he was promoted to Chief Superintendent of the various offices in the PNP Regional Offices.
Prior to his appointment as DILG’s Assistant Secretary, Felix held the position of Director of the PNP’s DIPO in Western Mindanao.
Both DILG officials are members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Matikas class of 1983.
Some critics had frowned on the appointment of former military and police officers in government posts.
But Duterte defended his choice saying police and military officers generally exhibit discipline in carrying out their respective duties adding that they are a big boost to government service.