Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario, a high-ranking police official shortlisted to become the first Philippine National Police chief under President Rodrigo Duterte is finally getting the coveted promotion.

The Philippine Star on Wednesday (December 6) reported that Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario will succeed PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa next year.

Supt. Ercy Nanette Tomas, legal officer of the PNP Center for Police Strategic Management, made the announcement Tuesday (December 5) during the 3rd PNP National Advisory Council Summit at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Cebu.

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

Dela Rosa will step down on January 21 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Chief Supt. Noel Baraceros, director of the PNP CPSM, also referred to Apolinario as the incoming PNP chief.

“Let us welcome the incoming PNP chief, Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario,” Baraceros said in his introduction of Apolinario as the event’s speaker on Monday (December 4),

By virtue of seniority, Apolinario,who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sandiwa Class of 1985, was next in line to succeed PNP chief General Ricardo Marquez, the last top cop appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III.

Duterte, however, chose Dela Rosa, bypassing PMA Classes of 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Dela Rosa is a member of the PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.

Like Dela Rosa, Apolinario was a former chief of the Davao City police.