President approves Eduardo Gordon as National Chief of Police until 2009

SANTIAGO.- After designating General Eduardo Gordo Valcárcel last night as the new Chief of Police, President Michelle Bachelet decided today that the officer will finish off the term that had been assigned to the late General José Bernales as head of the institution.

According to government spokesperson Francisco Vidal, this means that General Gordon will remain in the position until November of 2009.  According to the sub secretary of Interior, Felipe Harboe, this also implies that he will fulfill the responsibilities as the alternate Chief of Police.

In light of the situation, the President also decided to postpone an announcement of measures that will be taken to confront fuel price hikes.  The public notice, which had been scheduled for Saturday, will instead take place early Monday morning.

Concerning the funerals of General Bernales, his wife, three other officers, as well as the wife of one of them, Vidal stated, “if all goes well”, the Air Force plane being used to transport their remains “should arrive tonight at the latest”.