President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the term of General Benjamin Acorda Jr. as Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) until March 31, 2024. Acorda reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on December 3.
The Palace said in a statement that Marcos believes Acorda has led the PNP well and that he is the best person to continue leading the force at this time.
Acorda was appointed PNP Chief by Marcos in November 2022. He has served in the PNP for over 30 years and has held a number of senior positions, including Director of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Acorda’s term extension has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that it is necessary to ensure stability and continuity within the PNP, while others believe that it is an abuse of power.
The PNP is a key institution in the Philippines and plays a vital role in law enforcement and public safety. Acorda’s leadership will be important in the coming months as the Philippines faces a number of challenges, including crime, terrorism, and natural disasters.