THE Philippine National Police is in good hands with its new chief Police Director Ricardo Marquez.
This was according to outgoing PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who had said he could only describe Marquez in one word- hardworking.
READ: Marquez named as new PNP chief
“If I may just say a few words about Director Marquez; as I always tell the people, I can only describe him in one word: napakasipag. Napakasipag. He has proven his mettle and the capability, his competence in the major activities that we faced during the past few months and even years,” Espina said during the announcement of Marquez’s appointment on Tuesday.
Left without a full-time chief for seven months, the PNP will have a new leader, this time not in acting capacity. And among several seasoned officials considered for the much-coveted post, President Benigno Aquino III picked Marquez.
Marquez, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” class of 1982, is the 20th chief of the 160,000-strong police force.
In his more than 30 years of service, Marquez had received several awards and commendations and 148 medals, including the Pope Francis service medal. While he was Nueva Ecija Police provincial director, his unit was awarded the Model Police Provincial Office in Central Luzon in 2009.
The PNP, under Marquez’ supervision, was lauded for its successful security coverage during the five-day visit of Pope Francis to the country.
As Directorate for Operations head, Marquez also prepared extensive security plans for the yearlong Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation the Philippines is hosting. He has managed 14 APEC meetings in five sites with “zero incident.”
“He was responsible in mapping out, in planning these activities which ended up to be highly successful, with no untoward incident, like the papal visit and the APEC activities that we are having in the country today,” Espina said.
“So rest assured, we are all very happy with the PNP leadership. This is shared by no less than our secretary. The PNP is in good hands.”
Espina will turn over the leadership to Marquez on Thursday morning in a change of command ceremony to be led by Aquino.
In the same briefing, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II lauded Espina for accepting the challenge to lead the PNP at the height of the Mamasapano controversy.
Espina also gained public admiration when he emotionally demanded justice for the 44 Special Action Force troopers killed in the operation.
“Napakaraming mga hamon ang hinarap ng PNP, at dahil sa kanyang liderato ay natawid ito ng PNP at mas malakas at mas matibay ang PNP sa ngayon,” said Roxas.
Marquez, in his message, said he wants to focus on improving the PNP’s primary function in preventing crime and maintaining peace and order. The President also told him to ensure credible elections in 2016.
Under his leadership, Marquez said he plans to deploy more policemen on the streets.
“I will push people from the national, regional and provincial headquarters to the police stations. I want to see officers on the streets to address the issue of crime,” he said.