Nicanor “Nick” Bartolome, the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), is a very friendly and approachable cop.
That’s because for many years he was the PNP’s spokesperson before he was given the leadership of units that run after criminals.
Bartolome brings with him a wealth of experience in dealing with civilians as a former public relations officer of the PNP.
“Being a spokesman exposed me to all the problems in the PNP … and since I have the experience and exposure to the issues [besetting the PNP], it will help me in the approaches I may take toward leadership,” Bartolome told reporters during an impromptu news conference.
But don’t mistake his mild manners and soft voice for weakness because Bartolome is a disciplinarian.
When he was director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), he was fast in acting on complaints by civilians that I referred to him as host of “Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo” public service on Radyo Inquirer-dzIQ (990 AM).
Unlike some top-ranking police officers, Bartolome returns calls from journalists even during unholy hours.
I once called him at 10 p.m. after I received a complaint that some Parañaque City cops were harassing a young female patient at the Philippine General Hospital.
Bartolome said he would look into the complaint. After a few minutes, he called me back to say that the patient, who was suspected to have aborted her baby, would be left alone until she recovered.
When he was PNP spokesperson several years ago, a group of blind masseurs came to me after they were driven by Manila policemen from the sidewalks where they were doing business.
When Bartolome heard about it, he invited the blind masseurs to set up a booth at the Camp Crame gym where they could do business.
Nick Bartolome is a cop with a heart of gold.
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Lanao del Sur Rep. Mohammed Hussein Pangandaman, who beat up a security guard for gawking at his Porsche sports car, should be reminded that he’s not in his province where public officials can kick ordinary citizens who get in their way.
He’s in Metro Manila where civilized behavior is expected of all people, especially those who hold lofty positions in government.
Mr. Congressman, go back to Lanao del Sur if you can’t act like a civilized person!
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Outgoing Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez has filed a smuggling case against Jetti Petroleum Inc. in the Department of Justice.
But why hasn’t Alvarez filed a smuggling case against Pilipinas Shell, which owes the government billions of pesos in taxes and duties?
Why is he selective?