Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome. Danica hermogenes/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—”I am accepting this challenge.”
Incoming Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome is taking the helm of the 140,000-strong police force Friday. He will serve as PNP chief for 18 months, vowing to leave a legacy of a friendlier PNP.
“I had been waiting for the announcement since Monday and was meeting police officials at the Star Lounge (PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame) when it was made today,” Bartolome said.
He expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino as he vowed to do his best through the help of the entire police force. “Sana magtulong-tulong tayo (I hope that we will help each other).”
He envisions to make the PNP’s image friendlier, saying he is optimistic that the police under his leadership would be seen as officers who have “initiative, with integrity and honest… a friend you can easily approach, and you should not be afraid of.”
But he remains mum on his plans for the PNP, saying he will discuss them once he officially takes over as PNP chief.
He gave assurances he would remain “always available” like when he was still the PNP spokesman.
“Since I became spokesman, I have always been available… at the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) it was the same. There will be no change even when I assume the highest post. You can still reach me,” Bartolome said.
Bartolome served as PNP spokesman for two terms, the first was from March 16, 1999 to February 12, 2001 and from December 28, 2007 to June 04, 2009.
He will serve as PNP chief for 18 months or until he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 on March 16, 2013.
“’Yong iksi o haba ng serbisyo ay di batayan sa isang success ng hepe. Dapat tingnan kung ano ang nagawa n’ya sa panahong siya ay nanilbihan. (The length of service is not the basis of success of a chief. What should be considered are the things done during his term),” he said.
His message to the police force, in light of the various anomalies that have been rocking the PNP recently is to regain their “self-pride.”
Bartolome said one of the first calls he got after the news about his appointment broke came from his wife, with whom he admitted to have spent very little time since he assumed high posts at PNP.
He said hearing the actual announcement had been different from hearing rumors. And had the outcome been different, he said it was enough for him to have been considered for the post.
Bartolome said his hard work had definitely paid off, stressing he was ready for the challenges the position of PNP chief would present.
He said that his experience as spokesman definitely helped him prepare for his role as PNP chief.
As spokesman for two times, Bartolome said that he was exposed to problems and served as the police force’s “mouthpiece.” He added that having served under five PNP chiefs had given him valuable experience.
He said that as a leader, he would seek out his colleagues’ sides on issues before making decisions but that the “final decision” will be his to make.
Speaking about the recent investigations into allegedly anomalous transactions that the PNP has been caught in, Bartolome said “dapat harapin at tanggapin kung may pagkakamali. Iwasto natin ito matapos harapin.”
A native of Tarlac, Bartolome was born on March 16, 1957. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy batch 1980.
He obtained his Masters degree in Business Administration at the Pamantasan ng Maynila in 1995 and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology in 2009.