Bacalzo turns over reins of PNP to Bartolome

Philippine National Police chief Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome and outgoing PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo. Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Raul Bacalzo has formally turned over the reins of the PNP to his successor Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

President Benigno Aquino III and incumbent and past executive and police officials  witnessed the changing of the guard in ceremonies at the Camp Crame national headquarters Friday.

Bacalzo welcomed the President with arrival honors.

Former President Fidel Ramos, Local Government Jesse Robredo, Armed Forces chief Eduardo Oban, and the President’s sisters — Pinky and Balsy — were present.

Bacalzo relinquished command of the PNP ahead of his mandatory retirement on September 15, his 56th bday, capping a 38-year career in the police service.

With Bacalzo is his wife, Librada, as he was awarded a Medalya ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod.