Aquino: New PNP chief to be named on Sept 14

President Benigno Aquino III will name the next chief of the Philippine National Police on September 14, the eve of the early retirement of Director General Jesus Verzosa. In an interview with reporters Tuesday, Aquino reiterated that Verzosa himself requested to retire early, and not due to the August 23 hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand that left eight tourists from Hong Kong dead and a strained relations with China and Hong Kong. "He can serve until December but he was asking if he can get optional retirement," Aquino said. A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1976, Verzosa's original retirement date falls on Dec. 25 this year. Verzosa had said that it was agreed upon by their class that they will retire ahead of their actual retirement date. He will retire September 15. On Sunday, Verzosa maintained his decision was made long ago but just the same, accepted full responsibility for the bungled rescue operations during the hostage crisis. (See: Outgoing PNP chief too takes responsibility for tragedy) "My decision to render an early retirement was announced more than a month ago. More than ever, it is imperative to take responsibility, especially with regards to what has transpired in the past week," Verzosa said. "In this regard, as chief of the National Police, I take responsibility and accountability of all the PNP units and all police personnel in everything they do and failed to do," he added. 'One step at a time' In the same interview in Malacañang, Aquino confirmed that there was a recommendation for Verzosa to be given a Cabinet position in the past, but not as DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) chief. "Si Director General Verzosa, ngayon lang kumbaga masasabi na na-exercise ang buong poder niya blang director general. Dati parang rubber stamp ang nangyayari sa kanya," he said. Pressed if another government position for Verzosa id forthcoming, Aquino replied: "One step at a time." — with Carmela Lapeña/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV