Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PLTGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has confirmed the abolition of the five Area Police Commands (APCs) across the country, according to RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.

According to Nartatez, who previously headed the APC in Western Mindanao, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) issued the order in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate duplication of functions within the PNP.

Aside from Western Mindanao, the dissolved APCs include those based in Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Eastern Mindanao — all of which were tasked with managing internal security operations in coordination with the military.

As a replacement, Nartatez announced at Camp Crame the creation of a new “Task Force DPAG,” which will focus on operations against private armed groups.

The task force will be headed by Deputy Chief for Operations PLTGen. Edgar Alan Okubo, who will assign sub-task group commanders in areas previously covered by the APCs.

Nartatez assured the public that the new task force was not established to create additional one-star general positions within the police organization.