Aglipay begins term extension, vows to do best

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Edgar Aglipay has shrugged off criticisms on his six-month extended tour of duty, which starts today, his 56th birthday.

Speaking after inspecting the officers and men of the Southern Police District at Ayala Center in Makati City, Aglipay also said he serves at the pleasure of President Arroyo.

"I am doing my very best in steerng the PNP in doing more services that will restore public confidence in the PNP as an organization," he said. "This is my commitment to the people."

Aglipay also defended his revamp of the PNP last Friday, particularly the appointment of Chief Superintendent Jesus Verzosa as Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director.

"General Verzosa is up to the job of CIDG director," he said.

"He was director of the intelligence group and served as deputy chief of the CIDG, his combined intelligence and investigative capability is one of the good qualifications. I will see to it that he will perform his job well as CIDG director."

Verzosa has already "suffered for one year" after he resigned as intelligence group chief following the escape of Indonesian Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi — who was linked to the 2000 Rizal Day bombings — from his cell at the IG headquarters in Camp Crame on July 14 last year, he added.

Aglipay said he also has named Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Mendoza as CIDG deputy chief, and that he will take charge of Task Force Newsmen, which is handling the investigation of unsolved cases of slain journalists.

The PNP revamp will go on as planned, and that the police officers given new assignments have been chosen based on seniority and service reputation, he added.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Lucas Managuelod, a lawyer and former Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management chief, will question before the Supreme Court today Mrs. Arroyo’s action of extending the tour of duty of Aglipay.

On the other hand, Interior Secretary Angelo Reyes has thrown his support behind the extension of Aglipay’s term as PNP chief.

During his birthday, Aglipay will spend some time with street children and drug patients at the Center for the Ultimate Rehabilitation of Drug Dependents in Bicutan, Taguig.