PNP gets new chief today

The 120,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) will have a new chief today as Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr. takes over from Director General Oscar Calderon.

Calderon said Razon’s designation will ensure continuity of command and move the organization  towards greater professionalism and excellence.

“As younger blood is infused into the system and younger officers move-up the career ladder, the organization is re-energized and performance levels run high,” Calderon said. “And I expect everyone to support the new leadership and to carry on in the finest tradition of the police service.”

President Arroyo will officially install Razon as the 14th PNP chief during formal turnover ceremonies at Camp Crame today, marking the retirement of Calderon, who had served 34 years in the military and police force.

Calderon cited Razon’s sterling performance in all his command, staff and training assignments, including chairmanship of the PNP Housing Board, which he said will ensure the continued implementation of the PNP Housing Program under the PNP Integrated Transformation Program.

“Razon has always been an effective manager and a key member of my team. His impressive track record of performance makes him the best choice for the top PNP post,” Calderon added.

Razon, a member of the PMA “Marangal” Class of 1974, saw action in the field as a junior officer and later as company   commander of the 563rd Philippine Constabulary Company under the 56th PC Battalion in Jolo, Sulu during the Mindanao campaign.

He was assigned in Southern Luzon to counter-terrorism duties under the defunct Constabulary Security Unit until he was reassigned to the Office of the Chief PC in Camp Crame.

His other notable stints in the field were as commanding officer of the 224th PC Company in Laguna, commander of the PC Special Action Force, chief of the NCR Anti-Narcotics Field Unit, commander of the Presidential Protection Group, director of the Western Police District, PNP Central Visayas regional director, and National Capital Region Police Office director.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Razon has had a well-rounded career as an officer before being elevated to top-level positions in the directorial staff and command group.

Razon is a recipient of 63 military and police awards for outstanding accomplishments, including the Distinguished Conduct Star (the second highest military award for gallantry), Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, Military Merit medals, PNP Outstanding Achievement medal, Medalya ng Kagalingan, and the Medalya ng Papuri.

Razon was born in Manila on Sept. 27, 1952, and is married to Dr. Cecilia Razon, with whom he has four children: Kristine Carol, Reginald David, Jerick Jan, and Evan Gabriel.

Brewing conflict

Even before he assumes office, Razon has to brace himself and settle the conflict between two ranking police officials — Deputy Director Generals Jesus Verzosa and Reynaldo Varilla.

Razon earlier announced that Verzosa will become the PNP’s No. 2 man or the deputy chief for administration (DCA), while Varilla will take over Verzosa’s position.

But sources said Varilla’s camp has indicated his intention to become the DCA because he is Verzosa’s  senior. Varilla is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class ’74, a classmate of Razon, while Verzosa is a member of PMA Class ’76.

Verzosa, who was promoted to the directorial staff ahead of Varilla, is not likely to give in.

“The conflict between Verzosa and Varilla will be the first issue that Razon has to resolve. Razon’s decision must be acceptable to both officers,” the source noted.

Another source said a similar conflict is likely to take place between members of PMA Class ‘76 – Chief Superintendents Dante Ferrer and Ismael Rafanan — over their desire to head the PNP’s Directorate for Intelligence (DI).

Ferrer has long been the DI’s deputy chief and is reportedly tapped to replace current DI chief Director Servando Hizon. But he neither served as provincial director nor regional director, thus he has limited background to head the sensitive position like the DI, sources said.

Rafanan, on the other hand, is the chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR). Prior to being the DPCR head, Rafanan was the chief of the Central Luzon police and director of the PNP’s Intelligence Group.