6 December 2006, Dili-- A senior police advisor from the Philippines has been designated the Police Commissioner for the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT)

Rodolfo Asel Tor joined the mission on December 2. He was previously the Director for Plans with the Philippine National Police and has a long and distinguished career in policing in his country.

Amongst the positions that have contributed to Police Commissioner Tor's extensive experience in critical incident management are Director of Plans and Director of Research and Development for the Philippine National Police. Commissioner Tor has also held the position of Regional Commander of two offices and Chief of Police for the national capital site of the Philippines, Quezon.

Acting Special Representative of the Secretary General Finn Reske-Nielsen welcomed the appointment of Commissioner Tor. He said he was pleased to have on board a UN Police Commissioner especially at a time when the mission in simultaneously undertaking many critical tasks.

"I am pleased to have on board a UN Police Commissioner of Mr. Tor's stature. We are at a critical juncture in UNMIT: the number of UN Police officers is growing; they are expanding into the districts. The PNTL screening process is ongoing and the number of PNTLs in co-locations with UN Pol officers is increasing. And, UNMIT is gearing up for the 2007 elections," he said. "All of these elements will require expert coordination and command of an efficient UN Pol service. I am confident Commander Tor fits the bill."

Commissioner Tor said he was looking forward to assisting the National Police of Timor-Leste." I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of helping to build a world class police service in Timor-Leste," he said. "I am also pleased to have the opportunity to work with so many qualified international police officers from so many nations. I believe with hard work and perseverance from everyone involved we can successfully carry out the challenging mandate of UNMIT."

Commander Tor's appointment follows on the heels of the signing of the recent Supplemental Police Agreement—a landmark document that details operation arrangements and command and control procedures through which UNPol takes responsibility as the interim law enforcement body in Timor-Leste.

Commissioner Tor holds a PhD in Peace and Security Administration from the Bicol University in the Philippines. He succeeds Acting Commissioner Antero Lopes from Portugal who joined the mission in mid-August to ensure the establishment of UNMIT's police component. Mr Lopes will return to his post in UN Headquarters in New York.

For additional information, please contact: Allisson Cooper, Spokesperson at 723 0453 or Donna Cusumano at +670 723 0749.