Manila top cop denies reported appointment as PNP, NCRPO chief

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. has denied he has been appointed as the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

“I would like to inform our media friends that what has been circulating in the news as NCRPO/C, PNP, etc. are all fake news,” he said in a statement sent Monday to reporters through a Viber group.

Manila police director Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. INQUIRER file photo / RICHARD A. REYES

“Nonetheless, I am overwhelmed that I am considered in the shortlist to become one,” he revealed but did not specify if he was referring to the NCRPO or PNP chief post.

Danao advised that the public instead wait for the wisdom of appointing authorities on deciding who will be the next PNP chief or NCRPO director.

The current director of the NCRPO is Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, a member of the PMA Hinirang Class of 1987 who is also one of the possible successors of PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

Albayalde will retire on November 8.

“In the meantime, let us maintain our collaboration, cooperation, and continue working for the good of our constituents,” said Danao, who also vowed that he would remain a loyal public servant.

Danao is a member of the PMA Sambisig Class of 1991 and served as Davao City police chief from 2013 to 2016, when President Rodrigo Duterte was still mayor.

He is set to retire from the police service upon reaching the age of 56 in August 2023. /gsg