When the nation's chief policeman visits his home province, it's a big media event for residents, officials and old friends. No, General Eleazar is not running for public office when he retires 2 weeks from now.
CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, LUCENA CITY -- Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar surprised Camp Guillermo Nakar on Tuesday, October 26 for his command visit of the Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) and as part of his continuing Intensified Cleanliness campaign for police stations all over the country.
In his visit, General Eleazar, a native of Tagkawayan, Quezon, checked the status of police units and personnel on the ground to ensure full implementation of his Intensified Cleanliness Policy, which includes cleanliness in police stations, offices, and camps, cleanliness in ranks, and cleanliness in the community.
QPPO head Police Colonel Joel Villanueva welcomed Eleazar who, accompanied by Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) Region 4-A police director Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz and other high-ranking police officials, proceeded to the conduct of quick command conference with Calabarzon and QPPO police rank and file. Later, the PNP chief paid courtesy calls on local officials in the province including Governor Danilo Suarez, Lucena City Mayor Roderick Alcala, Bishop Mel Rey Uy, Bishop Emilio Marquez of the Diocese of Lucena, and officials of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines – Lucena City Council.
Honoring outstanding policemen
As part of his routine duty in honoring outstanding policemen, Eleazar conferred awards to rank-and-file personnel of the QPPO for their excellence in the performance of their duties.
The Medalya ng Kagalingan were conferred on PLT Almario Dela Rosa Jr., PMSG Dionisio Nieva, PCpl Jeffrey Francisco, and Pat. Nino Bagon, who handled the successful simultaneous implementation of 12 Search Warrants on May 6, which resulted in four personalities' arrests, seizures of 12 explosives, eight short firearms, 15 magazine assemblies, 77 rounds of ammunition, and ten blasting caps.
PMAJ Lawrence Panganiban was awarded the Medalya ng Papuri for his assistance in an unexpected birth in a police station, while PMSgt. Frederick Perez was commended for his hard work in a typhoon-affected house construction.
A Plaque of Recognition to 1st Quezon Mobile Force Company for being the Best Mobile Force Company for September 2021.
Intensified cleanliness
In his inspection of police stations in Quezon, Eleazar noted that the Sariaya Police Station observed cleanliness in accordance to his program.
The police chief also gave a "Very Good" mark to all the police stations in Region 4A-Calabarzon, which he said were clean and organized.
"Because this policy goes beyond cleanliness in police stations, cleanliness in our ranks, or even cleanliness in the community, it's about cleaning up the negative public perception of the Philippine National Police," he said.
Improved trust ratings
Eleazar also expressed ‘delight’ over a non-commissioned survey showing ‘improved’ trust ratings with the police among the general public.
According to the study's findings, conducted by independent pollster PUBLiCUS Asia Inc., the PNP has improved trust, with a five-point increase in total high confidence (35.200).
However, he conceded that any organization, including the police, will always have bad eggs.
"Ipakikita natin sa ating mga kakabayan through the existing programs of the PNP, including the Revitalized Police Barangay, ang mga pulis na ito ay dapat nating pagkatiwalaan," he stressed.
No political plans
The PNP chief also denied rumors that he is planning to run for senator in next year’s general elections.
At the press conference, he was asked again by the local media about his alleged senatorial run and confirmed his denial of any political plan for himself in the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.
After retirement, Eleazar simply said that all he wanted to do was "relax and be with my family."
However, the police chief expressed gratitude to those who have urged him to enter politics.
Eleazar, who has 38 years in service, will retire as PNP chief on November 13, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Born on Nov. 13, 1965 in Tagkawayan town, Eleazar succeeded PNP Gen. Debold Sinas last May and vowed immediately to implement reforms in the PNP recruitment system to eliminate the culture of palakasan and padrino system in the police force in the country.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano earlier said last Friday (October 15) that the agency has yet to finalize the list of police officials to be recommended to succeed Eleazar as PNP chief.