Noy wants Purisima to be next PNP chief – Mar

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II disclosed yesterday that Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Alan Purisima would replace its current chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

“I support Alan Purisima. This is the consensus. The President (Aquino), I believe, also is supporting incoming PNP chief Alan Purisima,” Roxas told reporters in Malacañang.

Asked when the President would make the announcement of the next PNP chief, Roxas said: “Well, I’m not the appointing power. Technically, it’s Napolcom (National Police Commission). But it’s really the President’s decision unless I hear otherwise. My direction from my discussions with the President is that it is Alan Purisima,” Roxas said.

Roxas admitted he recommended Purisima because “I know him” apart from working with him in the department the last several weeks.

“I also know him and his service. I think that he is qualified,” Roxas said.

Aquino earlier said he would ask Bartolome to go on a non-duty status since the PNP chief must have ample time to prepare for the next elections.

Bartolome is retiring in March 2013 or two months before the elections and will undergo two knee operations, Roxas said.

“I think Director General Nick Bartolome accepts that he will be on non-duty status ahead of his retirement date, which is in March. What is important here is that there will be a smooth turnover. The PNP, in particular, is facing a big challenge next year especially during the elections,” he said.

Roxas said they would like to ensure there would be no gaps and “things fall between the cracks.”

“The appointing power is the President. PNP chief Bartolome has reiterated that he serves at the pleasure (of the President),” Roxas said.

Roxas said they were just waiting for the proper timing for the turnover.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the police are ready to implement any order from Malacañang in connection with the change of leadership in the national police force.

“For PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, it’s always work as usual,” said Cerbo.

Bartolome said he would stay in his post as he had yet to talk and meet with President Aquino to discuss matters about the PNP. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe