If he had a choice, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said he wouldn't let Police Director Benjamin Magalong retire.

He expressed his thoughts in a video message he sent from Cambodia for the latter's retirement honors in Camp Crame.

Magalong is known in Camp Crame as Dela Rosa's equalizer when it comes to dealing with more senior officers.

Dela Rosa is a member of PMA "Sinagtala" Class of 1986, "bypassing" officers from PMA Classes of 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Dela Rosa sees Magalong, who is from the PMA Sandigan Class of 1982, as his "anchor."

"Sa pag-retire mo, para akong nawalan ng right wing...Wala na ako big brother na aalalay sa akin kapag ako'y kinokontra ng matitigas na ulo na upper class," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa, however, said that he will find ways to deal with the "hard-headed" officials.

With Magalong's retirement, Dela Rosa will have two senior officers in his command group. Current deputy director for administration PDDG Franciso Uyami is also a member of PMA Class of 1982. Dela Rosa describes Uyami as his "left wing".

PDDG Ramon Apolinario, meanwhile, has been assigned to replace Magalong in his post effective December 15.

The new Deputy Chief PNP for Operations is a member of the PMA Class of 1985.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa also named new police officials to new posts in the PNP D-Staff, Regional Offices and NSUs:

PCSupt Ramon Purugganan - acting Director for Personnel and Record Management

PCSupt Edwin Roque - acting Director for Plans

PSSupt Glenn Dumlao - acting Director, Anti-Kidnapping Group

PSSupt Manolo Ozaeta - acting Director, Legal Service

Also included in the PNP's "major revamp" are:

PCSupt Sheldon Jacaban - acting Deputy Director, Director for Intelligence

PSSupt Renato Angara - acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration, PRO2

PSSupt Jose Briones Jr. - ADRDA, PRO12

PSSupt Froilan Quidilla - ADRDA, PRO MIMAROPA

PCSupt Frankling Moises Mabanag - ADRDA, PRO7