P-Noy underscores next PNP chief's role in 2013 polls

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday defended his decision to appoint Deputy Director General Alan Purisima as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Aquino said that the main reason for Purisima's appointment to the top police post is the government's preparation for the mid-term elections.

During the change of command rite at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, President Aquino said he has full trust and confidence in Purisima whom he has known for already 30 years.

The President recalled the years when Purisima was still a member of the Presidential Security Group and served under his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino.

"I would be disappointed if you will not perform expected from you," the President said in Tagalog.

Earlier, President designated Purisima as head of the Task Force Halalan, a special task group in charge of the security preparation for the 2013 mid-term elections.

During his speech at the turn over ceremony, the President reiterated his warning to erring and scalawag policemen.

"Kapag nagkrus ang landas natin...bilang na oras nyo...Hindi lang pag-surrender ng tsapa at uniporme, kundi papalitan pa natin 'yan ng orange na T-shirt na may 'P' sa likod," Aquino said.

He also highlighted the heroism and volunteerism of PNP personnel during the recent rescue and relief operations in Visayas and Mindanao devastated by typhoon Pablo.