Aquino tells new PNP chief: End violent crimes

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III has issued his first marching orders to the new Philippine National Police chief, Raul Bacalzo, which includes putting an end to violent crimes in the country. At the command turnover rites at Camp Crame on Tuesday, Bacalzo assumed the top police post vacated by Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa, who opted to take an early retirement. At the press briefing, the President also stressed he wants the PNP to focus on the "usual priorities" of eradicating crimes such as theft, saying he trusts he trusts Bacalzo's ability to institute reforms within the police service. Aquino dismissed the white paper supposedly circulated by junior police officials opposing Bacalzo's appointment, saying, "I think I will challenge all of you, look for any change of command ceremony activity, be the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) or PNP, there will always be certain quarters that will be grumpy." "Is it real as opposed to manufactured? I'm more inclined to think it's manufactured," added Aquino. Bacalzo occupied the third highest post in the PNP as deputy chief for operations before Malacañang announced his appointment Monday night. Improve police training Aquino told Bacalzo to improve police training after the Filipino policemen gained the ire of the international community for their failed rescue operations during their August 23 hostage tragedy. On that day, a dismissed senior police inspector, Rolando Mendoza, hijacked a bus carrying 21 Hong Kong tourists and four Filipinos. Mendoza was demanding for his reinstatement and the dismissal of a pending case against him in the Office of the Ombudsman. At the end of an 11-hour standoff, Mendoza and eight Hong Kong tourists were killed. Aquino said the August 23 hostage incident showed the “poor" state of the police's logistical capability and called for reforms in the bidding process for police equipment. Aquino said the new police chief will enforce the needed changes to the police's bidding process. "He will be constituting a reform of the process that will ensure that we get the most value for the money that are spent for the PNP and get what is needed for our personnel," the president said. Continuity In his assumption speech, Bacalzo admitted that while the PNP has for the last five years now, been implementing changes through its Philippine Integrated Transformation Program, there is still room for improvement. "Continuity is the operative word... We are a work in progress," said Bacalzo, a lawyer whose work in the PNP was greatly focused on intelligence service. Amid criticisms against the August 23 hostage drama and for the supposedly still-unresolved jueteng problem in the Philippines, Bacalzo agreed with Aquino's order to review police policies and procedures. "I see the challenges that we face are opportunities for us to review our policies and implement pratical action plans," he said. He said that change must start at the grassroots level or in every local police station nationwide. "This program of reform must begin with us. Our service must be revitalized by the revival of disicpline and the value of compassion and strength of command," he said. To set an example, Bacalzo said he would be sending the local police in his hometown of of Tuy in Batangas back to training, and instilling in them the skills of "mentoring leadership." "Every police officer must be a mentor to all and a problem solver," Bacalzo said. A review and inventory of the PNP's equipment must cover not only the police's special units, but even regular lawmen roaming the streets. He said the review of procedures and equipment would, in turn, entail is a revisiting of the PNP's procurement system. Also tackling the issue of human rights, Bacalzo also admitted that "shortcuts and lapses can contribute to violations of basic human rights." "I believe that upholding human rights is tied with implementing our police operational procedures properly," Bacalzo added. Verzosa: PNP is in good hands Meanwhile, Verzosa assured the entire police force that it is "in good hands" under Bacalzo. [See story: Verzosa steps down as PNP chief; Bacalzo takes over] The former PNP chief availed of the early retirement program and he will vacate his post effective September 15. He will reach the retirement age of 56 on Christmas Day, December 25. Meanwhile, Aquino also assured policemen that they will receive health and housing benefits, among others. — with Mark Merueñas, LBG/VVP, GMANews.TV