Verzosa steps down as PNP chief; Bacalzo takes over

(Updated 12 noon) Assuring the police force that it will be "in good hands" under the new leadership, Director General Jesus Verzosa turned over the highest police post to his successor, Deputy Director General Raul Bacalzo. Witnessing the change of command, in a ceremony held at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters at Camp Crame on Tuesday, were President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo. "With my 38 years in the police service... I will forever be proud that I had been a police officer," said Verzosa, who has chosen to retire early. Verzosa is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Magilas Class of 1976 while his successor belongs to the Masikap Class of 1977. Those who attended the turnover ceremonies for the 16th PNP chief of police included former chiefs of police, lawmakers, and diplomats. All praises In his address at the end of the ceremony, President Aquino was all praises for Verzosa. Aquino said Verzosa was committed to instilling discipline and professionalism in the police organization. "Sa likod ng sangkatutak na batikos at pamumulitikang kanyang pinagdaanan, hinarap niya ang mga ito ng may integridad at walang kinikilingan upang maitama ang anumang pagkakamali (Despite the criticisms and politicking he went through, he faced these with integrity and without taking sides to right what is wrong)," Aquino said. He said he trusts the new PNP chief will be able to institute reforms in the police service. "Buo po ang aking tiwala kay Gen. Bacalzo. Tiyak kong maipapagpatuloy niya ang mga reporma ng ating kapulisan (I have complete trust in Gen. Bacalzo. I am certain he will continue the reforms in our police service)," Aquino said. Review police policies Both Verzosa and Bacalzo stressed the need to review police policies amid continuing criticisms against the PNP leadership for the bloody August 23 hostage crisis in Luneta. Bacalzo said this will prevent "loopholes." "This is an opportunity for us to review our policies and implement practical action plans," said Bacalzo in his assumption speech. "We will go back to basics. We must revive the virtue of discipline and courtesy," he said. Bacalzo also said the PNP must improve its system of "rewards and punishments." Saying that change must begin with every Filipino, Bacalzo said he would start improving police capabilities in his own hometown in Batangas first, by sending the 23 police officers in their village into a re-training program. He emphasized the need to review the procurement service in the PNP "to set the proper standards and specification atuned by the requirements on the ground." Earlier, Verzosa released a statement praising his successor, describing him as a humble person, a low-key operator and seasoned lawyer-investigator who always cracks any case assigned to him. "He is a man of unsullied reputation who has never been involved in any serious controversy," Verzosa said. A lawyer and a police officer Bacalzo, who is celebrating his 55th birthday on Wednesday, took up law at the University of the East and passed the Bar in 1984. The lawyer-police official also admitted drawing inspiration to become a lawyer from the likes of Sen. Joker Arroyo and former Sen. Rene Saguisag. "The lawyers who interrogated us in court were all brilliant, and I saw how the law was made to serve the greater interest in their capable hands," said Bacalzo. His stash of awards include among others two Presidential Awards of Legion of Honor in the Degree of Officer in 1998, two Bronze Cross Medals, and 13 Military Merit Medals. Before assuming the top PNP post, Bacalzo briefly held the post of chief of the Directorial Staff in August and at that time also received his third star with the rank of police deputy director general. – with Jam Sisante/VVP/RSJ, GMANews.TV