Dili, 26 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – The government has appointed Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos and Assistant Commissioner Natércia Eufrazia Soares Martins to lead PNTL for the 2026-2030 period.
This appointment is to replace the current PNTL General Commander, General Commissioner Henrique da Costa, and Deputy General Commander PNTL, Commissioner Pedro Belo, to lead the PNTL institution.
PNTL National Operations Commander, Afonso dos Santos, says he has no doubt Natercia can take on the role of Deputy Commander of PNTL as she has the capacity to lead.
”Oh, she’s very capable, not just now I’ve needed someone like her, a woman with the capacity to get things done.” Afonso dos Santos told journalists via phone on Wednesday (25/03/2026)
Appointed Afonso says that if the government names him as Police General Commissioner, he’s ready to serve and develop PNTL.
”This appointment makes me think the government trusts me, and if they name me, I’m ready to take on this job, ready to develop PNTL. Everything’s going well, for anything tough, you gotta be ready.” Afonso dos Santos said
On the other hand, Mahein Foundation Executive Director Nelson Belo extends congratulations to the appointed general commander and deputy commander who have been appointed by the government to lead PNTL.
“We expect the newly appointed commanders to focus on security sector reform, and develop the police institution, aligning it with ASEAN standards, since we’re already an ASEAN member.” says Mahein Foundation Executive Director Nelson Belo
He also recommends that for the two commanders, their top priority during their 120-day tenure should be tackling urgent crimes.
“Urgent priorities include transnational crimes. You know, in recent months, online scams in Oecusse and Dili have raised questions from the UN and big countries, this is important.” adds Mahein Foundation Executive Director Nelson Belo
He also asks the two commanders to prioritize cybercrime, urging them to develop police capacity to combat such crimes. Especially commanders with experience in this area should focus on it.
With Natércia’s appointment as deputy general commander of PNTL, he considers this appointment a first in PNTL’s history, a woman assuming the position, which can bring a good balance to the development of women in PNTL.
“This can develop PNTL’s female officers and be a lesson for ASEAN countries, as they have low female representation, so we can contribute a good example with our female deputy general commander.” highlights Mahein Foundation Executive Director Nelson Belo
According to him, there’s no doubt about the leadership capacity of the two PNTL leaders, as deputy general commander Natércia has previously held positions like Dili Municipality Commander, PNTL Administration Commander, and is currently Director General of Migration Services.
“I think she has enough capacity to take on the general command.” affirms Mahein Foundation Executive Director.
Likewise, PNTL General Commander Afonso, previously UEP commander and current operations commander, has the capacity to lead PNTL well.
Reporting : Estefania
Photo : Estefania