Razon gets four-star rank

By Ronron
October 4, 2007

As expected following his appointment last Monday as new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Deputy Director General Avelino Razon, Jr. got his fourth star yesterday, effectively promoting him to a Director General rank.

The promotion rite was officiated by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In his speech, Razon said he considers his promotion as an added responsibility to ensuring security, peace and order in the country.

“This additional star on my shoulder just indicates an added responsibility not only to the organization – the officers and men of the Philippine National Police, but also to the citizens of this country who expect their police to really serve and protect them,” the 14th PNP chief said.

Like his statement during his assumption last Monday, Razon thanked the President for her “trust and confidence” on him that she chose him to head the 120,000-strong PNP.

He also expressed gratitude to Puno “for his guidance,” and the other officers and members of the PNP “for their effort and contribution and support.”

Puno only had nice words for Razon, whom he described as now a “symbol” of the police organization.

“I think that is, of course, as everyone knows, a very well-deserved appointment because of the fine record that Sonny has given to the service… I think that as a symbol of the PNP, Sonny, you will bring luster, you will bring prestige and honor to the service,” Puno said, referring to Razon by his nickname.

But the DILG Secretary said that as a symbol of the PNP, Razon faces a greater challenge of being a good example to ordinary policemen.

“Not everybody becomes chief PNP. But everybody can become like the chief PNP and I think that is something everybody must aspire and strive for. And Sonny, you are now not just an example of what a police officer can do, you must be a symbol of what every police officer should be,” Puno said.

On his first day as chief PNP, Razon has vowed to brink back the image of policemen in the past when they were being admired and looked up to by ordinary people./DMS