Bulaong bows out; Abarsoza named OIC

Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong formally bowed out of the police service yesterday even without the formal announcement of a permanent replacement.

Bulaong, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56 on his birthday yesterday, announced the designation of his deputy for administration, Senior Superintendent Danilo Abarsoza, as the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the 3,000-strong MPD.

Atienza flew to China on Monday, delaying the appointment of Bulaong’s replacement for several more days.

"Even with the absence of Mayor Atienza, he was given a ceremony a police general deserves," said Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol.

Querol said Abarsoza was named OIC because "there should be no hiatus in the exercise of leadership over a police force."

In a simple change of command ceremony at the MPD headquarters at 10 a.m. yesterday, Querol also pinned a service star medal to Bulaong "for doing a splendid job at the helm of the Manila police."

"He played a very significant role in the maintenance of peace and order in Manila during his tenure," he said.

Bulaong held the post for more than four years.

The Metro police chief advised Abarsoza to continue the good work of Bulaong at the MPD. "He should exercise good leadership and supervision over his men, especially those in the field."

In an earlier interview, Querol said Bulaong’s replacement should possess qualities of a well-rounded police officer.

"He should have professional excellence, non-probity and be relentless in the campaign against crime and criminality," the Metro police chief said.

Querol said the replacement should also work for the establishment of a good working relationship with local government units and provide inspiration to the rank and file as a leader.

The Senior Officers Placement and Promotions Board (SOPPB) at Camp Crame had prepared a list of five senior police officers, from which Atienza has to pick Bulaong’s replacement.

The mayor would be back Friday.

The list includes Chief Superintendents Roberto Rosales, Louie Palmera, Eric Javier and Chito de los Santos, and Senior Superintendent Nilo de la Cruz.

Querol said the MPD post remains a toss-up between Rosales and De la Cruz, both members of the Philippine Military Academy Class ’78. — Non Alquitran, Nestor Etolle