Bacalzo to would-be PNP chief: Continue reforms that were begun

MANILA, Philippines – Retiring Philippine National Police Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo told his would-be successor on Tuesday to continue the reforms that he started at the PNP.

“Whoever he is, all I ask is to continue the reforms that we have started…I’m not saying that that I finished all of them, what I’m saying is, I tried my best to initiate reform programs in the PNP and I hope the future leadership will continue these initiatives,” he added.

Bacalzo, a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1977, will step down from the top PNP post on September 9, or six days before he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 15.

He said it was his “personal request” to retire early because his birthday next week would fall on a Thursday. Retirement ceremonies are usually held on a Friday, he said.

“If I would wait next Friday, I would be a civilian by then so I personally requested to the President that the ceremony be held on Friday before my birthday…I also promised my family that I will be joining them on my birthday,” Bacalzo said.

Asked if he was open to the idea of working in the government, Bacalzo only said, “I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there.”

He also said that he saw a “long vacation” with his family after his retirement.

Malacanang has not yet named the incoming PNP chief, but frontrunners include Chief of Directorial Staff Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr.