PNP image rebuilding to continue - Razon

Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City – Long strides in rebuilding the image of the country’s policemen will continue, outgoing Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. vowed.

Conferred full military honors at his alma mater yesterday, Razon, a member of PMA class of 1974 said, even after he bows out starting Oct. 1, the program of Mamang Pulis, his pet project that wanted to reconstruct the image of the country’s 450,000 policemen will be continued by his successor.

Although not exactly pointing to Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza (PMA class of 1975) as his successor, Razon said there will be a follow through with the “image” program and will be sustained.

 Razon, though, said that the Napolcom sitting en banc where he is also an ex-officio member, has recommended Versoza to succeed him, “though upon the approval of the President.”

He went on to rub the issue by backing Versoza with: “He is more than capable and has the necessary skills and experience that will make him a very good Chief PNP.” In fact, Razon admitted already “pep talking” Versoza with encouragement to stay on course and don’t give up on what they have set forth in the Integrated Transformation Program (Mamang Pulis).

In bowing out, Razon claimed to be leaving with a legacy that the police organization is now closer to the Filipino people. Of late, the outgoing police chief said, the PNP was able to get a 49 percent approval rating. “It is one of the highest that the PNP has gotten since 2001.” This indicates, he said, that the PNP now is more trusted to serve and protect the Filipino people.

Razon furthered that his push for a three-year fixed term for the PNP chief, including commanders, is in the pipeline already including reforms also in the AFP’s chief of staff term and down the line.

 Thus, hinting that his successor will benefit from the fixed-term, while PMA Superintendent Major Gen. Leopoldo Maligalig who is also retiring soon added, Presidents come and go, while the institution – PNP or AFP – is there. “This is part of our building stronger institutions rather than personalities.

Also included in the reforms instituted in the PNP, Razon said, is the rationalization of the PNP budget to coincide with the challenges of peace and order in the country especially with the Mindanao conflict. The P47 billion proposed PNP budget is crucial in the Mindanao conflict because we can be more capable aside from the already approved P10 billion PNP modernization fund, he said.