Attorney General Ernestine Rengiil is now the new Acting Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, in charge of operations of all the Divisions under the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS), according to the latest appointment letter from President Surangel Whipps Jr.
Vice President and Minister of Justice Uduch Sengebau-Senior is no longer the Acting Director of BPS, an appointment she held for less than ten days. Sources say Vice President Senior, currently in Okinawa, Japan, for an official visit, was surprised by the appointment.
Last week, during an oversight hearing with Senate JGA Committee, Vice President Senior revealed her plans to improve the Bureau of Public Safety and indicated that she expects to remain as Acting Director of Public Safety until the new Director is hired.
“Now that I am acting director until such time President appoints a new director, we will try our best to stop those corrupt practices plaguing the Bureau of Public Safety,” responded Vice President to a question about alleged misconducts within the Bureau.
President Whipps issued the new appointment of acting director AG Rengiil last Friday, March 17, 2023. “As the Acting Director, …you will head the Bureau of Public Safety by carrying out all rules and regulation regarding the operation and duty of the Bureau, enforce all laws, maintain order and perform other duties as prescribed by law or assigned by the President.”
Under 34 PNC Section 5021, President appoints the Director of Public Safety, to serve for three years unless terminated. The Director serves at the pleasure of the President.
Earlier this March, President Whipps terminated Director Ishmael Aquon and appointed Vice President and Minister of Justice as Acting Director pending the appointment of a new Director.