Outgoing PNP chief wants a private life after resignation

CEBU, Philippines - Like his father, Philippine National Police chief Jesus Verzosa would prefer to live a private life after he submits his courtesy resignation on June 30.

Versoza, who was in Cebu for a thanksgiving mass facilitated by the Cebu-Citizens’ Involvement Maturation People Empowerment and Liberation (C-Cimpel), announced as early as January that he would resign from service once President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo steps down as president.

“I want to experience also a private life and I’m fond of farming. Maybe I’ll go back to my roots…to our family farm,” Verzosa said. Versoza is a native of Dasol, Pangasinan.

“My father who is a retired officer is there and my grandparents and my ascendants are there and we are a farmer family,” he added.

Versoza said he prepared for his resignation way before because he knew from the start that the position is not permanent. Being the PNP chief since 2008, he said he is willing to submit a list of the generals who he feels are qualified to succeed him, if the next president requests for it.

Meanwhile, C-Cimpel executive director Marilu Chiongbian thanked those who helped make the elections generally peaceful despite the technical glitches and discrepancies in the queuing system. Cebu had an 80-percent voter turnout.

Verzosa himself said the elections last May 10 recorded fewer poll-related violence compared to the previous elections.

“We credit this to the organization of the different security forces that are here. And even the participation of other sectors of the society especially the C-Cimpel in coordination with PPCRV. They have been very much in direct coordination with the Comelec,” Verzosa said.

“So I think the participation of all different organizations has brought down the number of violence here and also the overall order conduct of elections in the Visayas,” he added. — THE FREEMAN