NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002305 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/07/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL RP SUBJECT: NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a congratulatory visit October 3 with newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus "Jess" Verzosa and his leadership team, the Ambassador, accompanied by U.S. law enforcement agency heads, reaffirmed close U.S.-Philippine law enforcement relationships. In a free-ranging conversation, Verzosa outlined his key priorities for his term as director. Verzosa listed professionalization of the police force, continued close cooperation with U.S. law enforcement agencies, reorganization of the police chain of command, and a renewed emphasis on counterinsurgency efforts -- particularly Mindanao -- as his top objectives. A regular and close contact of the Embassy since 1991, Verzosa was complimentary of the PNP's relationship with the USG and thanked the Ambassador for the extensive training and assistance the United States has provided to Philippine law enforcement. END SUMMARY ¶2. (C) The Ambassador met with new Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus "Jess" Verzosa on October 3 at the Camp Crame PNP Headquarters in Quezon City to congratulate him on his recent promotion and to discuss his agenda. Verzosa was joined by 15 senior police officials and was eager to discuss his top priorities with the Ambassador and key members of the Mission's law enforcement working group (RSO, LEGATT, DHS, ICE, ICITAP, DEA, and JUDATT). Appointed to the PNP's top slot on September 27, 2008, Verzosa attended the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Boston, MA in 2006. He is eligible to serve as director until he reaches the age of 56, in December ¶2010. Continued Strong Cooperation -------------- ¶3. (C) Verzosa told the Ambassador he wants to professionalize the police force and to be known for his "on the go, in the field, hands-on management." He vowed to continue the close cooperation that he said characterized U.S.-Philippine joint law enforcement efforts and thanked the Ambassador for the training and assistance the USG has provided to the PNP over the years. The Ambassador voiced her strong support for the PNP and her admiration for their success in countering criminal and terrorist activity, encouraging Verzosa to keep the Embassy apprised of how the USG can continue to be of assistance in the future. New Regional Command Structure -------------- ¶4. (C) Verzosa took the opportunity to describe a new program to establish Integrated Police Offices to control regular and special police units in each region. The positions will be two-star general billets and command all PNP personnel in their areas of responsibility. Currently, regional directors command only the regular PNP officers and Regional/Provincial Mobile Groups, while the specialized PNP units fall under separate national commands. Verzosa believes his reorganization will result in greater command flexibility and responsiveness by giving greater decisionmaking authority to field commanders. This will also establish command structure parity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Verzosa outlined the importance of increasing the PNP's mobility to enhance its ability to conduct investigations away from police stations. He plans to deploy a number of specially equipped vans with crime scene equipment and sleeping quarters to save officers from having to procure their own transportation, as is currently the practice. Counterinsurgency Focus -------------- ¶5. (C) The Ambassador and Verzosa concluded their meeting by turning to the issue of security in Mindanao. Verzosa underscored the importance of a renewed emphasis on counterinsurgency efforts and the nation's internal security, particularly in Mindanao, where he plans to deploy rotating teams of officers on temporary loan from other regions. Verzosa went on to report that although the existing budget allows for the hiring of 3,000 new PNP officers annually, he hopes to expand this number to 4,500. The Ambassador underscored the need for close cooperation between the PNP and the armed forces to bring stability and peace to Mindanao, emphasizing that a stable and secure Philippines is a top USG priority. ¶6. (C) PERSONAL DATA: Jesus Verzosa was born in Ilocos Sur MANILA 00002305 002 OF 002 on December 25, 1954. He is a grandson of the late Bishop Alfredo Florentin Verzosa, the first Ilocano bishop. Verzosa is married to Cynthia J. Verzosa, a businesswoman, and they have two children. His son, Eric, is a medical student, and his daughter, Joyce, recently took the bar exam. Verzosa has served as head of PNP's Program Management Office, Deputy Chief for Operations, Chief of Directorial Staff, Chief of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and as Regional Director for Calabarzon and Cordillera regions. Like Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano, Verzosa is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1976. He also holds a law degree from Jose Rizal College and an MBA from Northwestern University. KENNEY