Manila – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has extended the term of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. until March 31, 2024. The extension was announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Monday, highlighting Acorda’s successful leadership of the police force since his appointment in April this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, the extension is in accordance with Executive Order 136, series of 1999, which allows the President to extend the service of presidential appointees beyond the compulsory retirement age. Acorda, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on December 3, 2023, has led initiatives focusing on personnel morale and welfare, community engagement, integrity enhancement, ICT development, and honest law enforcement operations. Acorda, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sambisig Class of 1991, previously served as the director of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence before becoming the PNP chief.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abajos Jr. was informed of the extension in a letter dated December 1, 2023, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. During a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Acorda expressed his gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for his continued trust and confidence. In light of the recent blast at the Mindanao State University gym in Marawi City, Acorda has ordered intensified police presence during the holiday season, especially in commercial areas, tourist spots, and churches.
