Bacalzo says no demoralization over choice of Bartolome as top cop

MANILA, September 12, 2011-Retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Raul Bacalzo yesterday said that no demoralization swept the ranks of the police organization despite the choice of Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome, explaining that police officers are professionals and they know that choosing the PNP Chief is the prerogative of the President.

“Besides, there was already a precedent, as in the case of Ping,” he said, referring to Senator Panfilo Lacson who was appointed PNP chief in 1998 by then-President Joseph Estrada ahead of other more senior officers. Lacson was a member of the PMA’s Batch ’71.

Bacalzo made the observation after turning over the reins of the PNP to Bartolome, a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s Class 1980, at the PNP multi-purpose center in Camp Crame which was witnessed by no less than President Aquino, former President Fidel Ramos and Lacson himself. When Lacson was appointed PNP chief, he bypassed other senior officers like general Jewel Canson.

In the case of Bartolome, his appointment as the 17^th PNP Chief also breached the seniority tradition as he went ahead of Deputy Director General Benjamin Delarmino of Batch ’77 and Deputy Director General Raul Castaneda, the Deputy Chief for Operations.

Director Alfredo Caballes, chief of the PNP Directorate for Plans, also downplayed the appointment of Bartolome. “Even if there were controversies, there were not much,” he said.

One general who requested anonymity, said that the designation of Bartolome over more senior police officers, is no longer an issue considering that police officers know it’s the President’s call.

He said that there is no demoralization within those who were bypassed. They look at it with a degree of realism because let’s face it, it’s the President who decides who will be the next PNP Chief.

The police officer said Bartolome, though not the most senior, is already ripe for the post, having served as one-star general for a long time already. (Jason de Asis)