Cruz, bemedaled police officer joins DDB

RECENTLY retired and among the most bemedaled police officer, P/MGen. Gilberto ‘Gilbert’ DC Cruz, has been appointed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte as permanent member of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB), replacing Marlowe S. Pedregoza, also a former police officer.

Cruz’s appointment, dated November 24, 2020, came barely two weeks after his retirement on November 9, 2020, as commandant of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) where he graduated in 1986.

Cruz, among the few police officers well-liked by the media, formerly served as chiefs of police of San Juan and Makati City; provincial director of Laguna; Deputy Chief of Operations, Manila Police District; Director, Police Community Relations Group, Camp Crame; Regional Police Director, Region 8; and, DIPO (Directorate for Integrated Police Operation), Northern Luzon, before being appointed last September to his last position in the police service as Commandant of the PNPA, his alma mater.

Then Philippine National Police director general, P/Gen. Nicanor Bartolome, impressed with Cruz’s talents and abilities, once said that if it is his destiny, Cruz is qualified to be the “first non-PMAer” to become Chief PNP.

Cruz is expected to bring to the DDB his wide knowledge and experience as a seasoned police officer in crafting the country’s anti-drug policies until his term expires on July 4, 2026.