Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 3) — National Police Commission vice chairman and executive officer Atty. Rogelio Casurao passed away on Jan. 2, Saturday, the agency announced. He was 66.
The announcement did not state the cause of his death.
Meanwhile, NAPOLCOM Commissioner Felizardo Serapio Jr. will serve as the agency’s officer-in-charge or acting executive officer, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año told CNN Philippines, adding this will be the case until President Rodrigo Duterte appoints a permanent executive officer and vice chairman for the Commission.
“We deeply mourn his passing and we will forever cherish his memories. We will honor him by continuing to fight the good fights that he fought to move NAPOLCOM forward most especially in this time of great sorrow and pandemic,” the agency posted on its official Facebook page.
Casurao was appointed NAPOLCOM commissioner in 2016 by then-President Benigno Aquino III. He was also designated as vice chairman and executive officer.
Before he was named to NAPOLCOM, Casurao was in his second term as councilor of Calbayog City, Samar. He also chaired the city’s People’s Law Enforcement Board and served as general legal counsel of the Philippine Councilors League.
He likewise held the position of vice president in the Samar chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.
The Commission said a daily mass, rosary and novena for Casurao will be held at the eighth floor of the NAPOLCOM Building from Monday until Friday.
Casurao’s wake will be held until Tuesday, Jan. 5. His inurnment will be held the following day, according to the NAPOLCOM.
Año also said he will be recommending names for Casurao’s replacement, but is still thinking of who to recommend “so far.”
CNN Philippines correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this report.
