Changing of the guards is expected at the provincial police office in Negros Oriental with the assignment of PNP provincial director, Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, as regional intelligence chief of the Philippine National Police in Region 7 this week.

However, there is no official pronouncement from Camp Crame yet.

Lawas said he has not received any official communication, but, as a good soldier, he follows orders.



Sources said Lawas will be replaced by Senior Supt. Eduardo Caranza, comptroller of the PNP in Region 7, or Central Visayas, who hails from Ilocos region.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, meanwhile, said he has not been officially informed about the replacement. He said the normal process will be observed in the selection of Lawas’ successor. 

Three other police colonels are reportedly in the list. They are Senior Supts. Petronelli Baldebrin, Randolph Delfin and Caranza. Baldebrin would reportedly have been the choice of Degamo, but his appointment is prohibited by law, because they are cousins.

During the visit of President Benigno Aquino III in Negros Oriental last week, he said he wanted results and convictions.

Lawas will have served one year as provincial commander on September 16.*JG