Palace: Arroyo to make it to PNP turnover ceremony

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo will return home early Saturday, in time to witness the turnover of command at the Philippine National Police from outgoing chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. to Dep. Dir. Gen. Jesus Verzosa. A Malacañang statement said Arroyo will arrive from the United States early Saturday and then proceed to the turnover ceremonies at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center in Camp Crame at 10 a.m. Other officials who are expected to attend the ceremony are Vice President Manuel "Noli" de Castro Jr., interior secretary Ronaldo Puno and members of the diplomatic corps. Verzosa, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Magilas Class 1976, as deputy chief for administration is the second highest official in the 125,000-strong PNP. He chairs the PNP Housing Board, and is a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious Lingkod ng Bayan Award from the Civil Service Commission, two Cavalier Awards from the PMA Alumni Association, and several service medals for efficiency, merit and outstanding achievement. Verzosa saw action in the field as platoon leader and later as company commander under the 54th Philippine Constabulary Battalion in Tuburan, Basilan and in Parang, Maguindanao. Upon his return to Luzon, he was assigned to various positions in the PC Metrocom until he returned to field in 1986 as chief of the Intelligence and Investigation Branch of the Rizal PC/INP Command. Before his designation as deputy chief for administration in October last year, Verzosa occupied other leadership positions in the command group and directorial staff. Verzosa is also the executive director of the PNP Program Management Office, which oversees internal reforms under the Integrated Transformation Program. He also has a law degree and a master's degree in business administration. Born in Dasol, Pangasinan on Dec. 25, 1954, Verzosa is married to Cynthia and they are blessed with two children. - GMANews.TV