P-Noy appoints Bartolome as new PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino yesterday appointed Director Nicanor Bartolome as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Bartolome will replace Director General Raul Bacalzo Jr., who retires from government service today, a week before his 56th birthday on Sept. 15.

“President Aquino has chosen Bartolome to be the next chief of the PNP. Bartolome will take the helm of the PNP from Bacalzo,” said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte in a text message.

The designation of Bartolome, who once served as Tarlac regional police director, as chief PNP confirmed earlier rumors he would be Bacalzo’s successor.

Bacalzo has expressed confidence that he would be leaving a better police force with well-trained officers.

He will formally turn over command of the PNP to Bartolome at the PNP multi-purpose center in Camp Crame at 10 a.m. today.

Bartolome, the 17th chief PNP, vowed to resolve all the controversies haunting the police force and individuals implicated in irregularities will be held responsible.

He also promised to continue the programs initiated by his predecessor to be able to regain the trust and confidence of the community.

Bartolome added that he will be very visible and accessible to the public, as he called on the 140,000 policemen to support him in improving the peace and order situation in the country.

Bartolome will serve as PNP chief until March 16, 2013. Aside from his qualifications, Bartolome is said to be the President’s shooting buddy.

He previously served as PNP spokesman and headed different key PNP units, including the Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) before he was designated as the PNP’s chief of directorial staff, considered the general manager of the police force.

Sources said the President has made his choice known as early as Aug. 8, when the PNP celebrated its 110th anniversary as a police service. The Commander-in-Chief agreed to set a meeting with Bacalzo and Bartolome in preparation for the turnover of command. –With Mike Frialde