Heir apparent to top PNP post says he's just performing duty

MANILA, Philippines - Heir apparent to the top post of the Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome said he is just performing his duty as officer-in-charge of the police force as ordered by PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo.

Bacalzo is in Hawaii on official mission. He is set to retire on Sept. 15 upon reaching the age of 56, the mandatory retirement age for police and military personnel.

Bartolome, present PNP chief of directorial staff, refused to give a categorical answer on reporters’ questions on his impending appointment as chief PNP being the choice of President Aquino.

He insisted that his being an OIC is not meant to warm the seat. “This is just more on administrative function since the PNP chief is out.”

Deputy Director General Benjamin Belarmino, PNP deputy chief for administration is in France while Deputy Director General Raul Castañeda is in the US for official missions.

Aside from Bacalzo, other ranking police officials to retire next month are Director Jaime Milla of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management Office (Sept. 16); Director Renato Heredia of the Directorate for Intelligence and Castañeda (Sept. 30).

The PNP turnover of command has reportedly been set on Sept. 9.