Velasco rallies PNP to back GMA’s choice of Ebdane

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco called on the police officers and men yesterday to support President Arroyo’s anointment of Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. as the successor of PNP Director General Leandro Mendoza.

"As committed police officers, we must close ranks and work as a team in fighting criminality in the country at this crucial time, instead of rocking the boat and adding to the already tense political situation," said Velasco, who celebrates his 53rd birthday tomorrow.

Velasco made his appeal in the wake of published opposition by some police officers on the choice of Ebdane.

He also denied insinuations by some quarters that he was part of the effort to derail Ebdane’s anointment.

"I was not, and will never be, part of the disruption of the PNP’s chain of command. It is not simply my style. My professional record in the uniformed service attests to this," he said.

Velasco stressed that he has just received his promotion to the rank of police deputy director general last April 10 and will only be due for compulsory retirement in the year 2005 which is three full years into the future.

"By 2004, I will be the most senior police officer when General Ebdane retires. If I am destined to lead the PNP in a higher capacity, it will come in due time with the blessings of the Almighty and the appointing power," Velasco said.

"The President’s record of giving strong weight on merit and seniority in her previous appointments of top police and Armed Forces of the Philippines officers clearly show the wisdom of her decision. I believe her choice of General Ebdane as the next PNP chief was considered with the best interest of the nation in mind," Velasco said.

He admonished the police officers and men to rally behind the commander-in-chief’s decision and continue to rally behind the leadership of General Mendoza who remains and stays as PNP chief until the end of September this year following his extension by the President.

Velasco said his primordial concern now is to continue working for the fulfillment of the legacy started by the President and General Mendoza in instituting major reforms on police welfare, particularly the unprecedented increase in policemen’s salary and payment of retirees’ benefits and the reclaiming of the role of the police as protectors of the people.

As director for comptrollership, Velasco said it is his duty to again work in the difficult task of preparing the proposed PNP budget for 2003 after helping the PNP got an unprecedented budgetary increase of P2-billion for 2002.