Ma.O Ranada Aplasca, commonly known as Mao Aplasca, is a retired Police Major General of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with a distinguished career in law enforcement, security, and public service. Born and raised in the Philippines, he has held key leadership positions in the police force, transportation security, and legislative security roles. His service spans military training, operational command, and efforts to strengthen national security systems.
A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Aplasca built a reputation for discipline, integrity, and effective leadership. He played significant roles in resolving security challenges at airports and regional police commands. In recent years, he has served in civilian government positions, including as Administrator of the Office for Transportation Security and, more recently, as acting Sergeant-at-Arms of the Philippine Senate. His career reflects dedication to public safety and institutional reform.
Mao Aplasca Early Life and Education
Ma.O Ranada Aplasca was born on August 22, 1963, in Maco, Davao de Oro (formerly part of Davao del Norte), Philippines. He holds Filipino nationality. Growing up in a provincial setting during a period of regional development in Mindanao shaped his early values of resilience and community service.
He completed his elementary education at Maco Heights Central Elementary School in 1976 and finished high school at Maco Maryknoll High School in 1980. Aplasca entered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City, graduating in 1987 as part of the Sinagtala Class. He ranked among the top performers in his class and earned academic honors. His time at the PMA built a strong foundation in military science, leadership, and discipline.
Aplasca pursued further studies while serving in the police force. He earned a Master in Development Management from the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City in 1999. In 2004, he obtained a Bachelor of Laws from Jose Rizal University in Mandaluyong City. He also attended specialized training programs, including the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, USA, in 1995, and courses at the University of Virginia, Cebu Institute of Technology, and the Haggai Institute in Maui, Hawaii. These experiences broadened his expertise in law enforcement, intelligence, and national security.
Mao Aplasca Career
Aplasca began his professional journey as a platoon leader in the Philippine Constabulary Special Action Force shortly after graduating from the PMA in 1987. He served as Executive Officer for the 214th and 213th PC Companies in the early 1990s. His early international exposure came through assignments with the United Nations Transitory Authority in Cambodia in 1993, where he worked as Chief of Provincial Investigation and as a member of the Board of Inquiry for Civilian Police.
He held various roles in the Philippine National Police, including Aide-de-Camp to the PNP Chief in 1994, Chief of Police in Marilao, Bulacan in 1996, and positions in public information and organizational development in the early 2000s. Aplasca advanced through the ranks with a focus on intelligence, operations, and aviation security.
In 2016, he was appointed Director of the PNP Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP). In this role, he led initiatives to address the “Tanim Bala” controversy, implementing reforms to restore public confidence in airport security procedures. His leadership emphasized accountability and operational improvements.
From February 2017 to April 2018, Aplasca served as Regional Director for PNP CALABARZON (Region 4A). He later became Director for Operations at PNP Headquarters from April 2018 to August 2019, where he advocated for national programs to enhance police effectiveness. He retired from the PNP in 2019 as a Police Major General.
After retirement, Aplasca transitioned to civilian government service. He joined the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) as Director for Policy and Program Service, then rose to Deputy Administrator. In 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him as OTS Administrator with the rank of Undersecretary. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening transportation security protocols amid challenges such as incidents at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). He submitted a courtesy resignation in September 2023 following high-profile theft cases but continued emphasizing internal reforms.
From October 2020 to November 2021, he served as Sergeant-at-Arms for the 18th Congress in the House of Representatives. In July 2025, upon nomination by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (a PMA classmate and longtime acquaintance), Aplasca was appointed acting Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate of the Philippines for the 20th Congress. In this role, he has overseen security measures, including responses to heightened alerts and protective custody situations within the Senate premises.
Throughout his career, Aplasca has received numerous awards, including the Medalya ng Natatanging Gawa, United Nations Service Medal, Military Merit Medal, and various commendations for service and leadership. His work reflects a commitment to professionalizing security institutions and addressing operational challenges.
Mao Aplasca Personal Life
Aplasca is married to Maria Rica Acab-Aplasca, often referred to as Cookie. The couple maintains a private family life while supporting each other’s endeavors. He is known for his involvement in faith-based and reform-oriented groups, including My Brother’s Keeper Philippines (MBK), where he has shared testimonies on personal transformation and values-driven leadership.
Aplasca values camaraderie from his PMA days and has spoken about mutual support among classmates from Mindanao backgrounds. He participates in alumni associations and professional networks such as the PMA Alumni Association, FBI National Academy Associates, and Christian Officers Reform the Police Service. His personal philosophy emphasizes integrity, continuous learning, and service to the nation.
Mao Aplasca Recent News
As of 2026, Aplasca remains active as acting Sergeant-at-Arms of the Senate. He has addressed security protocols amid political developments, including elevated alert status in the Senate and statements ensuring no unauthorized arrests occur on premises without proper court orders. His role involves balancing legislative security with respect for institutional processes.
He continues to engage in public discussions on security reforms and personal development through platforms like MBK Philippines. His long-standing relationship with figures such as Senator dela Rosa highlights networks built over decades in public service.
Conclusion
Ma.O Ranada Aplasca exemplifies a life dedicated to disciplined service, institutional improvement, and national security. From his roots in Mindanao through rigorous military training and progressive leadership roles in the PNP and government agencies, he has consistently addressed complex challenges with professionalism and resolve. His contributions to aviation security reforms, regional policing, transportation oversight, and legislative security demonstrate a career marked by adaptability and commitment to public trust. As he continues in his current responsibilities, Aplasca’s legacy serves as an example of how education, experience, and ethical leadership can strengthen democratic institutions in the Philippines. His story inspires future generations of public servants to prioritize integrity and effective governance.
FAQs
What is the full name and background of Mao Aplasca?
Ma.O Ranada Aplasca, often called Mao Aplasca, is a retired Police Major General born on August 22, 1963, in Maco, Davao de Oro, Philippines. He is a PMA graduate known for his extensive service in law enforcement and security administration.
What are the major positions held by Mao Aplasca in his career?
Key roles include Director of PNP AVSEGROUP, Regional Director for CALABARZON, PNP Director for Operations, OTS Administrator (Undersecretary), House Sergeant-at-Arms, and current acting Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.
What education and training does Mao Aplasca have?
He holds degrees from the Philippine Military Academy (1987), Asian Institute of Management (Master in Development Management, 1999), and Jose Rizal University (Bachelor of Laws, 2004). He trained at the FBI National Academy and other international institutions.
What challenges did Mao Aplasca address as OTS Administrator?
He focused on airport security improvements and internal cleansing programs, particularly following incidents at NAIA, while pushing for systemic reforms in transportation security.
How is Mao Aplasca connected to Senator Ronald dela Rosa?
Both are PMA alumni from Mindanao backgrounds. Dela Rosa nominated Aplasca for the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms position, citing their shared history and support during academy days.