Dili, 28 April 2026 (Media Democracia) – The General Commander of the National Police of Timor-Leste, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos said, Commanders for the Municipalities assume the rank of Chief Superintendent, but the Dili Municipality Commander, because it is the nation’s capital, must be led by an Assistant Commissioner.
“The Dili Commander is a Commissioner, and for the future we will see, because the General Commander took this measure looking more at those Chief Superintendents leading Municipalities. We see that Dili is the capital, so we place a senior officer here based on the Ministry of Interior’s direction, and a senior officer will lead the Dili Command and the Commander of the Special Police Unit is also a senior officer.” said Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos after swearing in the Municipality Commanders at the PNTL General Headquarters in Caicoli this Monday.
On that occasion, the Executive Director of Fundasaun Mahein, Nelson Belo, stated that the appointment of senior leaders, Chief Superintendents and Assistant Commissioners, is not based on merit.
“And it is not based on success and not based on any education, but it is based on mass promotion.” Nelson continued.
He said the appointment goes beyond the existing planning when there is a plan to appoint a commander, they must assume the position.
“When an appointment is made without assuming the position, this impacts the lack of planning, and this mass appointment weakens the PNTL institution.” He added.
The director said that for PNTL members involved in disciplinary crimes, crimes that are registered or with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, an evaluation is needed.
“Performance must be such that it does not destroy the member referred to at the border, when service operations are better.” He concluded.
Report By: Estefania Cardoso
Photo By: Estefania Cardoso