On September 25, 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) held Retirement Honors for Police Lieutenant General Bernard Mollanida Banac, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, as he completed 38 years of service to the Filipino people at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. The event gathered the PNP Command Group, led by PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., along with senior officials, colleagues, counterparts from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, friends, and family to recognize his leadership, professionalism, faith, and dedication to public service.
PLtGen Banac was born in Quezon City on September 26, 1970, with family roots in Bilar, Bohol, and Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. His educational journey was marked by discipline, determination, and a strong commitment to excellence, qualities that became evident throughout his career in the police service. He graduated as valedictorian from Sta. Lucia High School in Novaliches, Quezon City, in 1987, and initially pursued Civil Engineering at the University of the Philippines before entering the Philippine Military Academy. He graduated with honors as a member of the “Tanglaw Diwa” Class of 1992.
His 38-year career took him through National Support Units, Police Regional Offices, Area Police Commands, and international peacekeeping assignments. He served in various operational, training, administrative, security, public information, and command positions.
Among his notable early assignments was his service with the PNP Special Action Force and as security aide to then Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Robert Barbers. He subsequently held various field and training assignments, including serving as Greenhills Police Precinct Commander, Officer-in-Charge of the Quezon City Police District–Kamuning Police Station, and trainer for the TABA Cops Program in Subic Bay.
His service eventually extended beyond the Philippines. From 2005 to 2007, he served as Technical Adviser to the United Nations Police Arms Embargo Cell in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. He later served with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo as Operations and Planning Officer from 2008 to 2009. These international assignments broadened his perspective on peacekeeping, security cooperation, and the role of Philippine police officers in the global law enforcement community.
PLtGen Banac’s succeeding assignments reflected increasing responsibilities in security, administration, command, and public information. He served as Chief of the Diplomatic Protection Unit of the Police Security and Protection Group, Provincial Director of the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, Assistant Chief of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigative Agencies, Chief of Staff of the PNP Engineering Service, and Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief, PNP.
One defining chapter of his career was his service as PNP spokesperson. In this role, he became one of the PNP’s most visible representatives, communicating the organization’s programs, accomplishments, and responses to issues affecting the police and the public. Under his stewardship, the PNP Public Information Office received the Special Unit Streamer Award during the 118th Police Service Anniversary in 2019. His experience demonstrated that effective police leadership requires not only operational competence but also clear, responsible, and credible communication with the public.
PLtGen Banac likewise emphasized the importance of continuous learning. He earned a master’s degree in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management in 1999 and pursued further postgraduate studies, along with numerous local and international training programs. His professional development reflected his belief that leadership must be strengthened through knowledge, experience, and a willingness to continually improve.
His accomplishments were recognized through various awards, including his selection as one of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos in 2012. On February 21, 2026, he received the Cavalier Award from the PMA Alumni Association for his accomplishments and leadership as Commander of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, recognizing his embodiment of the PMA virtues of courage, integrity, and loyalty.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, PLtGen Banac’s service has been deeply rooted in faith and values. He served as an advocate of My Brother’s Keeper–Bless Our Cops, which promotes values-based leadership and a God-centered approach to public service. For him, leadership is not defined solely by rank or authority but by character, responsibility, and the example an officer leaves behind.
This principle was captured in the message he shared during his retirement, when he quoted Romans 14:7: “Walang sinuman ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang.” The words summarize the essence of a life in uniform. Police service is ultimately a commitment to others: to protect communities, uphold the law, strengthen public trust, and place the welfare of the Filipino people above personal interest.
He is happily married to Eloisa Samia Banac, a Division Chief of the Bureau of Fire Protection, and is blessed with three children. His legacy therefore extends beyond the police organization, reflected in the officers he led and mentored, the institutions he helped strengthen, and the family whose values continue to carry his example forward.
After 38 years in uniform, PLtGen Bernard M. Banac leaves behind more than a record of assignments and accomplishments. He leaves an example of leadership grounded in integrity, service guided by faith, and a career devoted to something greater than oneself. As he begins the next chapter of his life, the PNP extends its deepest gratitude for his 38 years of faithful service to the Filipino people.
Following PLtGen Banac’s retirement, PNP formally ushered in a new chapter of leadership through a Joint Turnover of Office Ceremony held on September 28, 2026, at Bulwagang Lapulapu, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City. The ceremony marked the transition of leadership across several key positions in the police organization, ensuring continuity in command and the sustained delivery of service to the Filipino people. Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla Jr. and PGen Nartatez led the ceremony.
As part of the leadership transition, PLtGen Wilson Joseph F. Lopez assumed as Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Chief PNP for Administration, succeeding PLtGen Banac. Meanwhile, PLtGen Neri Vincent D. Ignacio assumed the post of Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Chief PNP for Operations, while PMGen Redrico A. Maranan took on the role of Officer-in-Charge, The Chief Directorial Staff.
As PLtGen Banac closes a distinguished chapter of 38 years in police service, the PNP moves forward with a renewed sense of continuity and purpose under new leadership. His retirement marks not an end to his contribution, but the beginning of a new chapter shaped by the values, lessons, and legacy he leaves behind.
