PNP chief Marquez retires, thanks Aquino for trust

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez on Tuesday bade farewell to the police force and expressed gratitude to President Benigno Aquino III.

“I want to thank the president that I was able to serve the country in a very special capacity,” Marquez said in his farewell speech at his retirement and testimonial parade.

“Thank you for your trust and confidence. It was an honor working for you. (The) APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation was a defining moment in our history… the lavish praise we received was worth all those sleepless nights,” he said.

While delivering his farewell speech, Marquez cited the achievements of the PNP. He said the "lambat-sibat" campaign was pulled off with zero untoward incidents while securing the major events such as papal visit in 2015, the APEC Summit last year, the campaign season earlier this year and the May elections.

Marquez also mentioned the Mamasapano clash, which he called a “crisis of confidence,” that the PNP was able to overcome. He also clarified the reports that the fight against illegal drugs was only ignited after the May 9 polls citing that there were several suspects arrested since 2015.

He said that under his leadership, the police's bar for performance and accountability was raised. The security force also expanded its presence in neighborhoods, thereby changing the negative image of the organization.

Marquez attributed his accomplishments to his uniformed men whom he thanked for doing a “good job.” He thanked Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento for his guidance and support as well as valuable advice to the issues that the PNP confronted.

“I simply provided a leadership and it was you who provided... I hope you remember to always do one good deed a day,” the police chief said.

Marquez also addressed the public, saying he hopes he was able to serve well with his short term.

“Nawa’y naipadama namig sa inyo ang katapatan at hangarin na kayo ay tunay na maipaglingkuran,” Marquez said.

Aquino, meanwhile, praised Marquez's leadership and described him as "reliable."

"Kay Ric, ipinamalas niya ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng kapulisan. Malinaw sa kanya na imbis na magsilbi sa mga padrino walang ibang dapat na ituring na boss kung hindi ang taumbayan. Batid niyang kung kakampi natin ang sambayanan, talagang dadali ang ating misyon at pagtupad sa tungkulin. Iyan nga po ang liderato ni Ric Marquez, mahusay, maasahan at may paninindigan sa pagtupad ng mandato," Aquino said in his speech.

Incoming chief

In his speech, Marquez acknowledged incoming police chief Superintendent Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, expressed confidence in his capacity to lead the police.

“I believe you have also a destiny to fulfill. Heaven has detained you… I am confident you will do what is right," Marquez said, addressed to the next "padre de pamilya" of the PNP.

 Marquez also hoped Dela Rosa will push for the PNP modernization.

Marquez spent his last day in office on Monday with a tight schedule, starting with his final flag raising ceremony. He administered the oaths of 17 technical service police commissioned officers who were inducted into the PNP Officer Corps as lawyers, medical officers and forensic and chemical officers.