The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced significant leadership changes, appointing new regional chiefs for the Ilocos, Mimaropa, and Negros Island (NIR) regions.
These appointments were formalized through General Order No. NHQ-GO-DES-2026-2397, which took effect on May 8, 2026.
Brig. Gen. Jovencio Badua Jr., previously the director of Police Regional Office Mimaropa (PRO 4B), has been appointed the new chief of Police Regional Office Ilocos Region (PRO 1).
In a reciprocal move, Brig. Gen. Christopher dela Cruz, the director of the Northern Police District (NPD), will replace Badua as the head of PRO 4B.
Additionally, Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño has been designated as the new head of PRO NIR.
These changes coincide with the upcoming retirement of Maj. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque, the PNP Director for Comptrollership, on May 9.
Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes, the current chief of PRO 1, will succeed Obinque as PNP Director for Comptrollership.
Brig. Gen. Benliner Capili will take over as the NPD head, while Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay is set to become the new PNP Deputy Director for Education and Training.
The order did not indicate a successor for Cardiño as the PNP Comptrollership executive officer.