PNP chief says he’s retiring ‘March 2013’

MANILA, Philippines – “I am retiring on March 16, 2013.”

With this statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicanor Bartolome on Thursday, September 20, doused speculations he would be leaving the organization soon.

“I am retiring on March 16 (2013),” Bartolome told reporters at a news conference. He however declined to comment on reports that Malacañang wanted him to retire early to make way for a new PNP chief for the May  2013 elections.

Bartolome said no one has offered him any position in government. President Benigno Aquino III himself has said he had offered Bartolome the post of undersecretary of the interior and local government, which was vacated by Rico Puno. Bartolome declined the offer.

Bartolome also denied rumors that he will run in the coming elections. “I want to make this clear. I am not running for any elective post. I have announced it many times but still the rumors continue. I am the one telling you now I am not running,” Bartolome said.

Rumors that Bartolome will avail of early retirement were fueled by reports that he will be given a testimonial parade by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City on Saturday, September 22. But Bartolome said it has nothing to do with his reported early retirement.

“It is part of the tradition among us graduates. In fact I was invited long time ago but because of the situation with Habagat and then with the death of our Secretary (Jesse Robredo), it has to be postponed,” Bartolome said. – Rappler.com