ILOILO CITY – PNP chief Nicanor Bartolome yesterday denied that there was an offer for him to retire early, because of speculations that he will seek an elective office or assume the position of undersecretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

Bartolome, who led the awarding of outstanding police units and individuals in Western Visayas at Camp Martin Delgado here, will reach the retirement age of 56 on March 16 next year.

“As far as I am concerned, I am retiring next year,” he said.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda had said earlier the May elections next year is the “prime consideration” in asking Bartolome to retire early. He, however, refused to confirm if Bartolome is still being considered for the position vacated by Rico Puno as the DILG undersecretary for peace and order.

This will give the successor of Bartolome time to prepare for the 2013 elections.

Bartolome, on reports that he seek a congressional post, said “I have announced it many times that I will not run, but still the rumors continue. I am the one telling you now - I am not running”.

He also said that no one has offered him any position in government and no party has approached him for the coming elections. * GPB

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