Marquez officially assumes post as PNP chief

Newly-installed PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez during the donning of rank ceremony at Camp Crame on Thursday. President Benigno Aquino III appointed Marquez seven months after the PNP was led by an interim leader. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS

Police Director Ricardo Marquez formally assumed office on Thursday as the chief of the 160,000-strong Philippine National Police.

With President Benigno Aquino III leading the change of command ceremony at Camp Crame, outgoing PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina turned over the leadership to Marquez.

“I consider this appointment as a triumph of meritocracy, a recognition of my 33 years of service,” Marquez said in his inaugural speech.

READ: Marquez named as new PNP chief | New PNP chief a humble man

One of the first orders of Marquez is to renew the disciplinary mechanism of the PNP, citing the increase of policemen involved in “hulidap” activities.

After seven months of being led by leader in acting capacity, the PNP had a permanent chief as announced by Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II on Tuesday.

Coinciding with the change of command ceremony was the retirement honors for Espina, who bowed out after 37 years of service.

READ: No politics for Espina after leaving PNP

Marquez, a native of Maragondon, Cavite, is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” class of 1982. He will retire from service on August 26, 2016.

President Aquino is expected to deliver a speech. The ceremony is still ongoing as of posting. IDL