Napolcom backs Verzosa as next PNP chief

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) urged President Arroyo to appoint Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to replace chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr., who is retiring on Sept. 27.

The Napolcom submitted its recommendation to the President, signed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, concurrent chairman of Napolcom; Razon as Napolcom ex-officio; and Napolcom commissioners Eduardo Escueta and Luis Mario General.

A source noted that two other Napolcom commissioners, who are presently on official missions abroad, have also supported Verzosa’s appointment as the 15th PNP chief.

The source cited a supposed “off-the-record” interview of President Arroyo, who said her personal choice to replace Razon would be Verzosa, but added that she has to consider Napolcom’s recommendation.

Napolcom exercises administrative control and operational supervision over the PNP, which is composed of 125,000 police officers nationwide.

The source said a tentative turnover of command will be on Sept. 29, which falls on a Monday.

Razon told reporters that the turnover ceremony would depend on the availability of Mrs. Arroyo, who traditionally attends the turnover of command as the PNP’s commander-in-chief.   – With Michael Punongbayan