Philippine President Appoints New Police Chief

Philippine President Benigno Aquino installed a new police chief on Tuesday. The president called for reforms to restore trust in the police force and the government… after a poor response to a bus hijacking that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead.

[Raul Bacalzo, New Police Chief]:
"I see that the challenges we face are opportunities for us to review our policies and implement practical action plans.”

Aquino says he will provide the necessary funds to improve training and better equipment to fight crime.

He also pledged to wipe out corruption in the ranks, which has long been blamed for the lack of funds for upgrades.

[Benigno Aquino III, Philippine President]:
"We will restore confidence and security in your ranks. We will erase the public's fears and doubts in your institution."

[Benigno Aquino III, Philippine President]:
"We will take away the scars of doubt among the people, not only in the police, but also in the entire government. After six years, I will ensure that honest and transparent public service will be the only legacy of my term -- not corruption, not greed, not the shadow of any past tragedy."

Aquino took office last June, and some observers say the hostage taking was the first big test of his leadership.

The poorly executed police rescue has sparked outrage in China, Hong Kong and even in the Philippines, where lawmakers called for the resignation of officials who were involved in the police operations.

Aquino has vowed to punish officials who failed to fulfill their roles in the bus-hijacking incident. A panel led by the interior and justice ministers is expected to submit its report to the president on Wednesday, identifying accountability and recommending sanctions on erring officials.