New PNP chief
THE appointment of Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) comes at a critical time, when the nation faces so many challenges.
The current situation, in the view of many, is certainly “problematic” considering the mushrooming number of Filipinos being afflicted with the deadly and highly-contagious COVID-19.
Besides, the perennial problems of graft and corruption in the government, illegal drugs, unemployment, hunger and poverty still worry the authorities and the beleaguered people.
Add to these problems is the continued presence of a sprinkling of rogues in police uniform whose nefarious activities tarnish the image of the country’s premier law enforcement agency.
But Eleazar, the “darling of the press” in the country, who is a member of Class 1987 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), is known for his no-nonsense approach in disciplining his men.
In fact, Eleazar’s army of admirers in Pindangan East, Alcala, Pangasinan, including former barangay officials, said the presence of erring cops “is not too much of a problem for Sir Guilor.”
“Baka magbago ang mga naliligaw ng landas sa PNP kasi kilalang ‘just and fair’ ang masipag at matulunging heneral ng pulis na taga-Tagcauayan, Quezon,” according to the admirers.
No less than Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, a lawyer and a former congressman, said Eleazar’s “track record of professionalism, dedication and integrity speaks well for itself.”
Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano, a retired military general, said Eleazar was recommended to head the PNP based on seniority, merit, service reputation and competence.
Eleazar replaces his mistah, PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas, on Saturday, May 8, when the latter retires after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
