Cachero designated as acting Ilocos PNP chief

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP GEN. OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union- Police Chief Supt. Manuel H. Cachero, formerly the Deputy Regional Director for Administration of Police Regional Office 1, was named last week to the PRO1 top post while waiting for a regular one to be designated by President Aquino.

Cachero replaced Chief Supt. Constante D. Azares, Jr. who retired from the police service on June 22 upon reaching the compulsory retirement age of 56.

Cachero’s designation as PRO1 acting regional director effective June 23 was by virtue of General Orders Number 1408 issued on the same date by the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame , Quezon City .

Unless he can impress the new president, Cachero's post maybe for the time being only since Pres. Aquino may appoint his own man to the highest top PNP post here.

Married with two children, Cachero, 53, is a native of La Union, having been born in Naguilian town where he also finished his elementary and secondary education.

He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978, has a master’s degree in government management, and also holds the rank of Career Executive Officer VI.

Then a senior superintendent, he became deputy director of the PNP finance service prior to his assignment to PRO1 in December 2008 as deputy for operations.

He later served as the deputy for administration during which he was promoted to the star rank of police chief superintendent.

The position of regional director here remains vacant since Azares, retired in the service last June 22, leaving the highest and sensitive position to a mere "caretaker" while the PNP leadership is awaiting President Aquino’s appointment of a regular RD.

"It is a matter of courtesy to the incoming president and for the meantime, the PNP designated my deputy Chief Supt. Manuel Cachero as officer in charge while we are waiting for the regular RD to be designated by the new president ," said Azares.

Meanwhile, several police officers here appealed to the PNP leadership not to violate Republic Act 8551 by not designated retiring officers to a sensitive positions.

The police officers' action came in the wake of reported imminent designation of a retiring police general who is reportedly moving heaven and earth to get the RD position following the retirement of Azares last June 22, after reaching the mandatory age of 56.