Wednesday, September 26, 2007 Nalzaro: New PNP chief By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
SO President Arroyo has appointed Avelino “Sonny” Razon as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief? Razon, a 1974 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, will replace Director General Oscar Calderon, who will relinquish his post on Oct. 1 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.
I think the President gave weight to seniority. Razon is the second in command and the most senior among the PNP officers. Arroyo did not go into the so-called “deep selection” process, as other officers are also equally qualified for the post but they are junior officers.
Razon is an expert in intelligence and counter-terror operations. One of his exploits was the arrest of Ramsey Yousef, a known international terrorist. But during his stint as Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 chief, he failed to curb the operation of illegal numbers game and video carrera.
I remember giving him sketches of video carrera operations sent to me by my radio listeners and by concerned citizens. But he failed to act on the information. I criticized him for that and it sparked a minor conflict between us.
Razon was also hounded by shenanigans committed by some of his trusted officers whom he brought here from his previous assignment. They were accused of engaging in money-making ventures through protection rackets.
Razon assured the public that under his leadership the police will do good for the citizenry. He promised to introduce programs that would bring the police closer to the community. I hope he will live to the expectations. Good luck, General Razon sir.
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I received an e-mail from a certain Dennis Bacolod, who claimed to be a relative of C/Supt Ireneo Bacolod, who is vying for the post of PRO 7 chief. He corrected some points in my article last Monday.
He said Bacolod's first name is not Irene but Ireneo and he is not from Daanbantayan but from Madridejos in Bantayan Island. Well, I stand corrected. But I was informed Bacolod's friends call him Irene.
Dennis assailed me for not checking Ireneo’s background. But how can I verify his records when I don't know him from Adam? Besides, he is based in Camp Crame. While I said that Roderos is qualified for the position, I can also say Bacolod is qualified because he is also a one-star general.
Anyway, the column did not dwell so much on qualifications but on the meddling of some politicians in their appointment. And may the best man win.
