President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the PNP coffee table book from PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are PDDG Danilo Constantino, PDDG Marcelo Garbo and P/Dir. Juanito Vaño. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Almost a month after he was appointed to head the police force, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez on Wednesday took his oath of office before President Benigno Aquino III.
Marquez was accompanied by his wife and three daughters when he was inducted by Aquino, the PNP’s commander-in-chief, during a ceremony in Malacañang’s Rizal Hall.
Shortly after his appointment last month, Marquez was promoted from from two-star to four-star rank. He also earlier took his oath before Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who has supervision over the PNP.
Aside from Marquez, 49 police officials also took their oaths before Aquino.
Marquez replaced controversial former PNP chief Alan Purisima, the President’s close pal who drew flak after the botched Jan. 25 Mamasapano operation.
Purisima was dismissed from service by the Office of the Ombudsman on June 30 for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and grave abuse of authority in entering into an anomalous contract with courier service Werfast Documentary Agency in 2011.
Before Marquez, retired Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina served as the PNP’s officer-in-charge.
During his inaugural speech last month, Marquez vowed to increase police visibility and punish erring police officers. (MNS)