Ex-NCRPO chief gets 3rd star, moves closer to top PNP post

MANILA, Philippines - Former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome moved closer to the top post of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after he got his third star yesterday.

PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo himself pinned the third star on Bartolome’s shoulder.

In his speech, Bacalzo himself hinted that Bartolome, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ‘80, has overtaken more senior officials. Bacalzo belongs to the PMA Class ‘77.

“You will pass or overtake some officers, there will be some laggers. Don’t ridicule them. In case you have passed or overtaken somebody, let us assist this person in going up so when we are on our way down, they will also help us,” Bacalzo said. “When you are there already at the topmost, you have no other way but to go down and along the way you will meet those you have overtaken.”

Bartolome – who hails from President Aquino’s hometown of Gerona in Tarlac province – is the first member of PMA Class ’80 to become chief superintendent (equivalent to a one-star general), director (two-star general), and then deputy director general (three-star general).

With his promotion, Bartolome is moving closer to the PNP top post, bypassing active police generals who belong to PMA Classes ‘78 and ‘79.

Some of the senior police officers expressed disappointment on this development. In the past, the President appointed the PNP chief from the most senior class remaining in the police force.

Bacalzo said they are waiting for the promotion of three more two-star generals – NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. – and 15 one-star generals.

For his part, Bartolome said he “works on a daily basis.”