After 11 months in service, PNP Chief Ricardo Marquezsoon leaves the barracks as he joins the commander-in-chief—former president Noynoy Aquino—to retirement.
It could be noted that Marquez replaced PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina as the leader of the 160,000-strong police force after the much talked about incident in Mamasapano that killed 44 members of the Police Special Action Force (SAF).
“In the past 11 months and two weeks, I often get up every morning and wish that under my leadership the PNP would exceed your expectations,” Marquez was quoted to have said.
In his farewell speech at his retirement and testimonial parade, Marquez thanked Aquino for trusting him even if they did not know each other personally.
He also highlighted the achievements of the PNP, including the “lambat-sibat” campaign which was aimed at zeroing untoward incidents, while securing the major events such as papal visit in 2015, the APEC Summit last year, the campaign season earlier this year and the May elections.
He said that under his leadership, the police’s bar for performance and accountability was raised. The security force also expanded its presence in neighborhoods, thereby changing the negative image of the organization.
Marquez will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Ronald Dela Rosa, incoming president Rodrigo Duterte’s choice to be the leader of the PNP.
