Aquino to bid farewell to PNP as Marquez retires

President Benigno Aquino III has arrived at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, to lead for the last time a ceremony for the 160,000-strong police force.

Mr. Aquino will lead the testimonial ceremony for outgoing police chief Director General Ricardo Marquez and give his farewell message to the PNP.

Apart from Mr. Aquino, outgoing Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento is also present.

Joining Marquez in trooping the police line are Deputy Director Gen. Francisco Uyami, PNP’s chief directorial staff and second in command, and Chief Supt. Benjamin Lusad, the deputy director of the directorate for operations.

Mr. Aquino will award Marquez, a member of Philippine Military Academy’s “Sandigan” Class of 1982, service medals before he relinquishes his post as the highest police officer.

Marquez, who has served as PNP chief since July last year, will receive the Medalya ng Kagitingan sa Paglilingkod and the Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod.

The President, with Sarmiento and Marquez’s wife Luzviminda Marquez, will present the awards to Marquez./rga