In last blog as top cop, Calderon rallies PNP behind Razon

Outgoing Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Calderon urged the 120,000-strong personnel of the police force to rally behind his successor, Dep. Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. In his final blog entry as PNP chief (cspnp.wordpress.com) dated Sunday night, Calderon said he is confident Razon will carry on an efficient leadership at the PNP. “As younger blood is infused into the system and younger officers move up the career ladder, the organization is re-energized and performance levels run high. And I expect everyone to support the new leadership and to carry on in the finest tradition of the police service," said Calderon, who ended 34 years in the military and police service as he turned 56. President Arroyo was to officially install Razon as the 14th PNP chief at formal turnover ceremonies in Camp Crame Monday morning. Calderon cited Razon’s “sterling record of performance" in all his command, staff and training assignments, including Razon’s chairmanship of the PNP Housing Board. Before he was named new PNP chief, Razon served as PNP deputy chief for administration, the police force’s second top spot. “As my Deputy Chief for Administration, General Razon has always been an effective manager and a key member of my team," Calderon said, adding that Razon’s impressive track record of performance makes him the best choice for the top PNP post. Razon is a member of the PMA “Marangal" Class of 1974. Upon graduation from the PMA in 1974, Razon he saw action in the field as Junior Officer and later as Company Commander of the 563rd PC Company under the 56th PC Battalion in Jolo, Sulu during the Mindanao campaign. For the next three years in Southern Luzon, he was assigned to counter-terrorism duties under the defunct Constabulary Security Unit. He was then reassigned to the Office of the Chief PC in Camp Crame. Other notable stints in the field were as Commanding Officer of the 224th PC Company in Laguna, Commander of the PC Special Action Force, Chief of the NCR Anti-Narcotics Field Unit, Commander of the Presidential Protection Group, District Director of the Western Police District, PNP Regional Director for Central Visayas, and Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office. He also received military and police awards for outstanding accomplishments including the Distinguished Conduct Star (2nd highest military award for gallantry), Bronze Cross Medal for bravery, Military Merit Medals, PNP Outstanding Achievement Medal, Medalya ng Kagalingan, and Medalya ng Papuri. PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said Razon has served a well-rounded career as an officer before eventually being elevated to top positions in the Directorial Staff and Command Group. Razon was born in the City of Manila on September 27, 1952. He is married to Dr. Cecilia Razon, with whom he has four children, Kristine Carol, Reginald David, Jerick Jan, and Evan Gabriel. - GMANews.TV