PNS –RETIRING Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa yesterday said he is taking full responsibility for the failures of the police under his command including the botched August 23 hostage-rescue operation in Manila.
“My decision to render an early retirement has been announced more than a month ago. More than ever, it is imperative to take responsibility especially with regard to what has transpired in the past week.
“In this regard, as chief of the national police, I take responsibility and accountability for all PNP units and all police personnel in everything they do or failed to do,” Verzosa said in a statement.
The PNP chief announced his plan to retire from the service on September 14 or more than two months before his actual retirement date on December 25 several weeks before the infamous hostage-drama at the Quirino Grandstand saying he wants to give his rank to whoever will be his successor.
“The PNP has been exercising all means in order to attain the effective resolution of the incident. The PNP will now undergo a time of transition. The support and cooperation of every sector, most especially the public, is needed.
“It is now time to move forward and start anew. Rest assured that the national police will continue its sworn duty to serve and protect as well as render credible, effective and reliable service to the public,” he said.
Verzosa has started bidding farewell to his officers and men. On Saturday, he was given retirement honors at the Philippine Military Academy in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City where he graduated in 1976.