For PNP in Mindanao areas, life goes on with or without Albayalde

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Ranking police officials here weighed in on the resignation of Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde early on Monday, Oct. 14.

In separate statements, city and regional police information officers said they will continue doing their duties no matter who their new boss would be.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, regional PNP spokesperson, said the police regional command in Northern Mindanao “respects the decision” of Albayalde to resign ahead of his retirement in November.

He said the regional PNP office would support Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa as OIC and whoever would be appointed on a permanent basis.

Brig. Gen. Rafael Santiago Jr., regional PNP director, said he would heed orders given by the OIC and “remain doing our mandate every day and never be affected by other controversies.”

Maj. Evan Viñas, Cagayan de Oro City police spokesperson, said the city police “will continue to dispense public service.”

He said the Cagayan de Oro PNP would support whoever is the new head of the national police force, saying police in the city are “professionals.”/TSB