Razon may get security, Cabinet post

Newly retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon Jr. is assured of a civilian post that would likely be on security and related responsibilities, a Malacañang official said yesterday.

The official said President Arroyo earlier informally discussed with some key Cabinet officials the possible portfolios that could be handled by Razon, who retired from the top PNP post on Saturday. He was replaced by Director General Jesus Verzosa.

“He (Razon) would likely be given a position on security, or a Cabinet-rank post that would continue to tap his strong points and expertise,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as the President has yet to make formal announcement.

The official also noted that Razon is an expert on counter-terrorism and intelligence.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, however, said Mrs. Arroyo has not yet made a decision on what post will be given to Razon.

Razon was appointed as PNP chief last October. He graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1974, earned master’s degrees in management and public administration and is now on his fourth year at the Jose Rizal College of Law.

He was credited for uncovering “Oplan Bojinka” in 1995, a plot by Islamic extremists to assassinate the late Pope John Paul II that involved the use of airplanes to hit targets.– Paolo Romero