Aquino names Bartolome new PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino has appointed  Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome as the next PNP chief, an official said Thursday.

Police Deputy General Nicanor Bartolome. Danica Hermogenes/INQUIRER.net

Bartolome will replace Director General Raul Bacalzo, who retires Friday, a week ahead of his 56^th birthday, said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr.

The police force welcomed the appointment of Bartolome, Cruz said.

He said Bartolome could lead the PNP well with his “qualities, experience and scholastic records.”

At the same time, Cruz expressed confidence the incoming PNP chief would continue the reforms in the PNP.

“We are more than confident that he will continue reforms for the police,” he said.

Aquino is scheduled to attend the turnover ceremonies on Friday at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

Bartolome is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1980. He also served as chief of Directorial Staff, the fourth highest position in the PNP.

Bartolome, who hails from Tarlac, also served as PNP provincial director of the said province. He headed key PNP units such as Police Regional Office 4-A (Calabarzon) and the National Capital Region Police Office.

He will lead the 140,000-strong police force in the next 18 months. With reports from Frances Mangosing, INQUIRER.net; Norman Bordadora, Inquirer

Originally posted at 2:54 p.m.