Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome was surprised over reports President Benigno Aquino III may appoint him undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government to replace controversial Rico E. Puno.

But Bartolome declined to comment further as he said his concentration now is on preparations for the 2013 elections, radio dzBB’s Tuesday Niu reported Sunday.

The report said Bartolome is now in the Visayas meeting with regional directors and meeting with them on preparations for next year’s elections.

He also said he is meeting with the regional directors to beef up peace and order.

Bartolome was also quoted in the report as saying he has not talked to Aquino about the DILG post yet, and would rather not comment until they discuss the matter.

Earlier, Aquino said he is considering tapping Bartolome to replace Puno, whose motives for going to the condominium of then missing DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo had been questioned.

A report on government-run dzRB radio said Aquino is considering asking Bartolome to retire early. Bartolome is to retire in March 2013.

But Aquino stressed Puno must not yet be judged at this time, saying he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. — LBG, GMA News