PNP deputy chief tasked to oversee poll security

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has designated Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Director General Alan Purisima as head of security in next year’s elections in anticipation of the retirement of his boss PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Purisima will be in charge of peace and order in the May 2013 polls. “Secretary Mar has designated Mr. Purisima to oversee the elections. This is merely looking forward and being proactive in the situation. We would like to minimize, if not totally eliminate, violence during elections, if at all possible,” Lacierda told Palace reporters.

Bartolome will retire on March 16 next year when he turns 56.

Lacierda said Bartolome knows about the importance of having someone who can be on board even after he leaves government service.

“PNP chief Bartolome certainly realizes the need to ensure the peace and order during the elections and hence a need for early preparation for someone (who will) be in charge of securing the elections,” he added.

The Palace official welcomed the statement of the outgoing PNP chief that he is open to early retirement either by November or December this year.

“We want to ensure that there will be peace and order, hence the need for us to prepare early on in terms of securing the election hotspots and ensuring peace and order throughout the country during the elections,” Lacierda added. President Aquino had earlier said Bartolome will have to retire three months ahead of his March 2013 retirement to avoid the election ban on appointments that starts in February.