PNP Academy Graduates Dominate Chief PNP Contenders
Since its establishment in 1991, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been led by 30 police generals across seven presidencies. However, surprisingly, none of these leaders came from the PNP Academy, often described as the cradle of police leaders. This year, the list of top contenders for the next Chief PNP is dominated by names of “Lakans,” the graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), marking a historic shift.
President Marcos, who has appointed three Chiefs since his administration began in July 2022, including the latest, Rommel Francisco Marbil, faces a pivotal decision. With Marbil’s retirement set for June 7 after a three-month extension, the question remains: will President Marcos make history by selecting a Lakan as the next Chief PNP, or will he choose another candidate from the Philippine Military Academy alumni?
Edgar Alan Okubo: The Silent Warrior Delivering Results
Among the top contenders, Police Lieutenant General Edgar Alan O. Okubo stands out, despite being less visible in mainstream and social media. Currently the PNP’s Chief Directorial Staff and ranking fourth in the hierarchy, Okubo is a 1992 PNPA graduate with a distinguished and diverse career.
Unknown to many even within the PNP, Okubo served as a war crime investigator for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo from 2005 to 2006. He conducted thorough investigations into Serbian atrocities against Albanian communities and documented witness statements for cases at the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
Okubo’s courage partly stems from his Igorot warrior heritage from Baguio City and his early years with the PNP’s elite Special Action Force (SAF). As commander of the SAF Light Reaction Group in 2000, he led a successful operation against heavily armed robbers in Alabang, Muntinlupa, sustaining injuries but resulting in the death or capture of dangerous criminals, some of whom were former elite Army Scout Rangers.
Innovative Leadership and Crime Prevention
Beyond bravery, Okubo is also a strategic thinker and innovator. As a police major, he authored the Manual for the Field Training Program (FTP), designed to equip new police officers with practical experience before active duty. This program continues under the Regional Special Training Unit today.
Later, as a police colonel, Okubo introduced the online Personnel Accounting and Information System (PAIS), which streamlined personnel management and reduced financial losses caused by delayed updates.
His leadership roles expanded as provincial director of Cebu, chief of staff at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and deputy director for Operations and Administration in Davao before becoming SAF director in August 2022.
Most notably, his tenure as director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) showcased his forward-thinking approach. Okubo pioneered the integration of drone operators into local police stations across Metro Manila, significantly improving intelligence gathering and surveillance.
Additionally, he advocated establishing cybercrime units in every Metro Manila police station to better address rising cybercrime cases and encourage victims to seek help.
Advancing Rapid Police Response
Before President Marcos announced his goal of a five-minute police response time, Okubo had already conceptualized a three-minute response framework in NCRPO. This was achieved through the creation of Integrated Command and Control Centers (IC3) across Metro Manila districts, with the Quezon City Police District’s command center serving as a prototype.
“These IC3 centers serve as the nerve center for the NCRPO, with the prototype being the Command Center of QCPD. The implementation of these centers enables the police force to swiftly and effectively respond to emergencies, with a remarkable goal of achieving a three-minute response time,” Okubo explained in a previous interview.
These command centers coordinate with local government-installed CCTV systems for real-time monitoring.
Okubo also played a key role in developing a police tactical motorcycle unit for fast response, deploying female officers as desk officers in police stations, and involving more police personnel in barangays for community engagement.
A Trailblazing PNPA Graduate in PNP Leadership
Decorated with honors such as the Medalya ng Katapangan (Bravery Medal) and Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting (Wounded Personnel Medal), Okubo is the first PNPA graduate to serve as both SAF director and NCRPO director. His career reflects a blend of courage, innovation, and dedication.
As the race for the Chief of the Philippine National Police intensifies, Okubo’s potential appointment would mark a historic milestone as the first PNPA graduate to lead the entire police force. Sources familiar with the matter note that his proven track record and visionary leadership make him a formidable candidate.
The decision now rests with President Marcos, who could shape the future of the PNP by appointing a leader from the PNP Academy, aligning with the growing call to recognize the institution long regarded as the cradle of police leaders.
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