PMA classmates vying for MPD post

The race for the top post of the Manila Police District (MPD) is now a toss-up between two members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’78, in which President Arroyo is a honorary member.

Eyeing the post to be vacated by Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong are Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales, executive officer of the Directorate for Human Resource and Doctrine Development (DHRDD) at Camp Crame and Senior Superintendent Nilo de la Cruz, assigned at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig.

Bulaong, who is on terminal leave, will retire on Aug. 1, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He is pushing for the appointment of his deputy for administration, Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarsoza, who is now the acting MPD director. Another possible candidate is Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias, the former president of the PNP Academy Alumni.

A source at the NCRPO said Rosales is the personal choice of President Arroyo while a Camp Crame source said PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon has personally told Rosales that he would succeed Bulaong at the MPD.

Calderon’s deputy chief for administration Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr. admitted that Rosales and De la Cruz are among the frontrunners to replace Bulaong.

"Medyo lamang na si Rosales," said Razon, a two-term director of the MPD.

However, NCRPO chief Director Vidal Querol said he has yet to receive the names of candidates for Bulaong’s post from the PNP’s Special Officers Promotions and Placement Board (SOPPB) at Camp Crame.

Querol, said the turnover ceremony at the MPD could be held anytime before Bulaong’s birthday.

When reached for comment, De la Cruz said it is up to Mayor Lito Atienza to decide the next MPD director.

He said another classmate, Chief Superintendent Louie Palmera, assigned at the directorate for operations at Camp Crame is also a contender.

De la Cruz added that President Arroyo has endorsed him and Rosales to replace Bulaong.

"Kahit sino sa aming magkaklase ang mapili, OK lang," he said.

Querol, after receiving the SOPPB list of candidates, will forward the names to Atienza, who has the final say in the selection of Bulaong’s successor.