Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Calderon named new national police chief
MANILA -- Newly appointed National Police Chief Oscar Calderon vowed Tuesday to stamp out street crimes and put a halt to the rash of killings of leftist activists.
Calderon is assuming as chief of the 120,000-strong police force in a ceremony to be presided over by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the police national headquarters on Wednesday. Calderon succeeds Arturo Lomibao, who is stepping down at the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Malacanang announced early Tuesday morning the appointment of Calderon, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1973. He was Lomibao's second in command, being the deputy chief for administration.
Prior to the appointment, Calderon headed the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response, which made gains against criminal syndicates during his tenure. Calderon is due to retire on October 1 next year.
"What the people would notice first is the fight against street crimes. We will also look into extra-judicial killings. These will all be part of our anti-crime operations. We want our people to go home safely every night," said Calderon.
He expressed gratitude to Arroyo for choosing him as the successor of Lomibao, who belongs to PMA Class 1972. "The people can expect me to repay them with faithful service," said Calderon.
"I thank our President and Commander-in-Chief Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her trust and confidence in appointing me as the next chief of the 120,000-strong police force. I will not fail her. Rest assured that within my 15-month stint as head of the PNP, I will work on enhancing the dignity, honor, and pride of every policemen in the country," said Calderon.
"I shall strongly advocate for decent housing facilities to our police personnel while at the same time give more focus to combating terrorism and insurgency with the help of the community. I will make sure that the police's scarce resources will be used in building the capability of our police stations and personnel nationwide," he added.
Calderon downplayed reports that he was able to get the post because he is a relative of the President, noting that he deserved to get the post. "I will not get this far if I'm not deserving," he said.
Calderon beat two other frontrunners to the post: Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., the deputy chief for operations, and Director Servando Hizon, the PNP comptroller, who was reportedly Lomibao's choice as his successor.
Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno welcomed the appointment of Calderon as the new police chief.
Puno said the appointment of Calderon demonstrated once more Malacañang's strong adherence to the principle of seniority in choosing the next chief.
Puno said Calderon's impressive track record in his 33 years at the police force, which includes his stint as head of Pacer, makes him highly qualified for the top post.
"Calderon does his job without any fanfare but he does it well," Puno added.
Puno said the National Police Commission (Napolcom), which he chairs, always upholds the principle of seniority in selecting the head of the police.
Puno, who is looking forward to a harmonious working relationship with Calderon, said he expects the incoming police chief to focus on ongoing efforts to increase police capability in the government campaigns against crime, terrorism, and insurgency, and work for the implementation of more benefits for members of the police force, such as housing and scholarships for policemen's children. (VR/Sunnex)
(July 5, 2006 issue)
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