Francisco out of PRO-6 after bagging DO post; Macala to act as officer-in-charge

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Brigadier General Leo Francisco is moving to a higher office with a higher rank exactly nine months after assuming the top Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 post.

Effective May 8, 2023, Francisco was relieved as PRO-6 director and would take over the helm of the PNP Directorate for Operations, a position that would earn him his second star.

Brigadier General Archibald Macala, PRO-6’s Number 2 official, was designated as PRO-6 officer-in-charge.

Under Special Order Number 2023-3498, Francisco was relieved along with other PNP top officials that included Lieutenant General Michael John Dubria, Major General Bernard Banac, Major General Jonnel Estomo, and Major General Emmanuel Peralta.

Dubria, the one who signed the order, was relieved as PNP Chief Directorial Staff and is now the deputy PNP chief for operations.

Banac will leave the Directorate for Plans and will be assigned to the PNP Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management (DICTM).

Meanwhile, Estomo, who was just designated as the deputy PNP chief for operations, will take over Banac’s post.

Peralta, the Director for Operations, will replace Dubria.

Francisco was shortlisted for other posts such as the DICTM, National Capital Region Police Office, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

But Francisco said that he was really looking forward to the DO post.

“I have already plans for the DO. I’m just happy to be able to execute it,” he said.

Foremost of his plans is streamlining the submission of reports, Francisco added.

Currently, a police regional office is made to submit 510 reports in a month.

As this developed, Francisco said the turnover of command for the DO post is scheduled today, May 9, or anytime within the week.