PNoy swears in new PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday administered the oath-taking of new Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez.

Marquez took his oath before Aquino in Malacañang along with 49 other star-rank police officials.

Aquino appointed Marquez last month to replace former PNP chief Alan Purisima, who resigned following the Mamasapano incident and was dismissed in connection with an alleged irregular gun license courier deal.

During the PNP change of command ceremony in July 16, Aquino told Marquez to continue improving the image of the police force by getting rid of its scalawags.

"Ang utos natin sa ating bagong hepe, simpleng-simple: Tanggalin, parusahan ang mga baluktot; at gantimpalaan naman ang tuwid para lalo pa silang magpakitang-gilas sa serbisyo," Aquino said.

Aquino also challenged Marquez to ensure the peaceful and clean conduct of elections next year and to correct the factionalism and patronage system in the PNP.

Marquez said during his installation that he intends to go back to police basics as an effective tool for crime prevention.

"While we have developed the methodology to deliberately reduce crime, as evidenced by the decreasing trend in crime statistics in certain areas, the reality is that the fear of crime remains in the hearts of our citizens, especially our mothers," Marquez said.

"I believe it is high time to go back to the basics of policing and institutionalize the implementation of patrolling nationwide," he added.

Marquez ordered an immediate and systematic dispersal of personnel from the national, regional and provincial offices to police stations to make patrolling effective.