Año commends Albayalde for ‘selfless act’ of stepping down

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año commended on Monday the “selfless act” of Gen. Oscar Albayalde for relinquishing his post as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after he found himself embroiled in the heated investigation on drug recycling.

Año said he respects the unprecedented decision of Albayalde to go on non-duty status, which means he will not perform any further tasks as a police official until he officially retires from the police service on November 8.

READ: Albayalde steps down as PNP chief

He added he “favorably” endorsed on Sunday night Albayalde’s letter of intent to avail of this privilege, which is given to retiring police officers, to President Rodrigo Duterte. He said the President had accepted Albayalde’s letter.

“I commend Albayalde for his selfless act in order to spare the PNP organization of the on-going controversy. This will allow the PNP to move on and continue exercising its mandate of protecting and serving the people. I thank him for his dedicated and distinguished service as head of the PNP,” Año said in a statement.

Following the decision of Albayalde, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, the PNP deputy chief for administration — the second-highest post in the national police — has been appointed as officer-in-charge of the 190,000-strong police force.

Año presided over a simple ceremony or the turn-over of command between Albayalde and Gamboa at Camp Crame. /je

READ: Gamboa appointed as officer-in-charge of PNP