Updated

The Mexican government has chosen the man who runs its national security council to be the new chief of federal police two days after the official in charge resigned.

Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said Tuesday that Monte Alejandro Rubido is replacing Manuel Mondragon as the head of the National Security Commission. Senators must still approve the appointment.

Rubido oversees crime statistics as the National Public Safety System executive secretary. Most recently, Rubido has become the security spokesman for the government, delivering statements on actions in the western state of Michoacan where vigilante groups are fighting a dangerous drug cartel.

Rubido will supervise the launch of a new gendarmerie, a 5,000-police force that will fight common crime. The former head of police Mondragon will continue to work as an adviser.