MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police chief Nicanor Bartolome on Thursday said he will be availing himself of early retirement to allow PNP deputy director Alan Purisima to replace him in time for the preparations for mid-term elections next year.
During a press briefing, Bartolome said he did not avail of a non-duty status option but an early retirement for the incoming PNP chief to have a "full authority."
"Usually the PNP chief will come in with a four-star rank on his shoulders. I will go on early retirement on deference to the incoming PNP chief," Bartolome told reporters.
Purisima, for his part, thanked both Interior and Local Secretary Mar Roxas and Bartolome for their endorsements to the position.
Purisima was earlier designated to head the Task Force Halalan.
The formal turnover of the PNP chief post will be on Tuesday next week, Dec. 18. - Dennis Carcamo