PNoy lauds outgoing PNP chief Marquez: ‘Mahusay, hindi nakikipagplastikan’

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday hailed outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez for his service to the Filipino people in crucial events throughout his term.

At the testimonial ceremony held in honor of Marquez in Camp Crame, Aquino recognized the PNP chief as “mahusay, maaasahan, may malasakit at paninindigan sa pagtupad ng mandato.”

“Sinasagad ni Ric ang bawat pagkakataon para pahusayin pa ang serbisyo ng ating kapulisan. Tinutukan niya ang pagpapaunlad sa kasanayan at kagamitan ng ating mga pulis, pati na ang pangangalaga sa inyong kapakanan at ng inyong pamilya,” Aquino said.

“Malinaw po: Kaisa natin si Ric sa pagsigurong ang nagmamasalakit sa bayan ay hindi na napapag-iwanan.  Kilala din natin si Ric bilang pinunong kapag kinausap mo, sasabihin niya ang totoo; hindi makikipagplastikan o magsisinungaling para lang magpalapad ng papel,” the chief executive, who spoke for the last time to the police force, added.

Aquino recalled that he knew little of Marquez when he appointed him PNP chief in July 2015.

The President cited Marquez’s role in ensuring the safety of Pope Francis in January 2015, as well as the security of state leaders who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting the same year.

He said Marquez and the PNP also ensured a successful and peaceful conduct of the recently concluded May elections.

Aquino said the crime solution efficiency of the PNP increased from July 2010 to June this year, citing that 3,732 out of the arrested 14,824 most wanted persons was captured during Marquez’s term.

Some 62 key personalities of Moro rebel groups were also arrested by the police, 13 of which were accomplished during the term of Marquez.

In the campaign against illegal drugs, a total of 130,165 individuals have been arrested from 2010 to 2016, confiscating a total of P20.95-billion worth of drugs.

“Bukod nga po sa pagsugpo sa krimen at droga, isinaayos at pinatibay din ni Ric Marquez ang samahan ng ating kapulisan. Isa sa malaking hamon na kinaharap ng PNP ang pagkakaroon ng maraming kampo o paksyon,” Aquino said.

“Kay Ric, ipinamalas niya ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng kapulisan. Malinaw sa kanya: imbis na magsilbi sa mga padrino, walang dapat na ituring na mga Boss kundi ang taumbayan,” Aquino added.

Marquez retired on Tuesday after 38 years of service. He will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa. — RSJ, GMA News