CEBU CITY, Philippines — The No. 2 man in the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on his way to becoming No. 1.

Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario will replace PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa who is set to retire on Jan. 21, 2018 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Supt. Ercy Nanette Tomas, legal officer of the PNP Center for Police Strategic Management, made the announcement during the 3rd PNP National Advisory Council Summit at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino here.

“Good news, the President has announced Sir Apol will be the next PNP chief,” Tomas told the forum, referring to Apolinario.

Another police officer quoted President Duterte as saying that “Apol would be up next year.”

On Monday, Apolinario was acknowledged as “the incoming PNP chief” several times during the second day of the summit.

In one instance, Chief Supt. Noel Baraceros, director of the PNP CPSM, acknowledged Apolinario as the incoming PNP chief.

“Let us welcome the incoming PNP chief, Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario,” Baraceros said as he introduced the guest of honor and speaker during the summit.

Even Col. Adriano Perez Jr., chief of the Office of Strategic Studies and Strategy Management of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), acknowledged Apolinario as the next PNP chief.

“Sir (Apolinario) you are addressed six times as the incoming PNP chief,” Perez remarked before he started his lecture on the military’s performance governance system.

Apolinario was among the three personal choices of Duterte to become the first PNP chief under his administration. The two others were Dela Rosa and Director Rene Asperas, chief of the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

Dela Rosa was selected, being the most senior among the candidates. – With Non Alquitran