Leadership Reshuffle in National Police
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader has enacted a series of significant changes within the leadership of the National Police, appointing new key officials and ordering several promotions and retirements. These adjustments were formalized through Decree No. 133-26, issued on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The decree designates General Esteban Figuereo García as the new Deputy Director General of the National Police. Concurrently, General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García has been appointed as the Inspector General of the institution. These appointments mark a notable shift in the police command structure, following a recent change in the Director General position.
Further Appointments and Repealed Designations
In addition to the primary appointments, President Abinader also promoted Colonel Francisco Amparo Gómez Polanco to the rank of General and named him the Director of Internal Affairs of the National Police. The new decree also repealed previous designations, specifically Article 1 of Decree No. 582-23 from November 14, 2023, which had appointed General Juan Hilario Guzmán Badía as Deputy Director General. Furthermore, Article 1 of Decree No. 45-25, dated January 28, 2025, which designated General Werner Manuel Núñez Quezada as Director of Internal Affairs, was also revoked.
Promotions and Retirements
The comprehensive decree includes a list of promotions and honorable retirements. Several colonels were elevated to the rank of general, including:
- Jorge Miguel Perdomo Sena
- Antonio del Carmen de los Santos
- César G. Ares Montás
- Ángel M. García Jaime
- Gabriel Ant. de los Santos García
- Edgar Ramón Arnoud Vólquez
Moreover, a number of generals were placed in honorable retirement due to seniority or having reached the maximum time of service in their rank, and will receive a pension from the Dominican State. These include:
- Julio C. Betances Hernández
- Rufino Ant. Contreras Ruiz
- Pedro E. Cordero Ubri
- Latif M. Mahfoud Rodríguez
- Francisco J. Torres Dotel
Context of Recent Police Leadership Changes
These latest appointments come shortly after President Abinader named Major General Andrés Modesto Cruz Cruz as the new Director General of the National Police on February 17, 2026, through Decree 111-26. Major General Cruz Cruz succeeded Major General Ramón Antonio Guzmán Peralta, who was placed into retirement and appointed as a police advisor to the Executive Branch. The frequent rotation in leadership aligns with the police law, which mandates the appointment of a new chief every two years, reflecting the ongoing efforts to reform and modernize the police force in the Dominican Republic.
5 Comments
Raphael
Promoting new generals and retiring others can be a necessary step for institutional renewal and professional development. Still, the government must ensure that valuable experience isn't lost and that new leadership receives the full support needed to make a real impact on drug control efforts.
Donatello
Finally, some accountability and adherence to the law with these rotations. Progress!
Raphael
Another round of political appointments. Is this about competence or loyalty?
Donatello
The intention to reform the police force and combat drug-related crime is commendable, and new appointments might be part of that. Yet, we need to ensure that these changes are not merely superficial and truly lead to tangible improvements in public safety and police integrity.
Raphael
A strong move to modernize and strengthen police operations. Good job, Mr. President.