Duterte to take over PNP if he can’t find right man

MANILA, Philippines—President Rodrigo Duterte will take over the Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership if he fails to look for the “very best guy” to lead the 190,000-strong force.

Duterte said this Thursday as he bared that he has yet to find his next top cop, weeks since former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde retired from service.

The President said candidates for the post is still undergoing extensive background check but in the event that he could not find the honest and rightful PNP chief, he said he will take charge.

“Even a single case of corruption, you’re out. I would rather not appoint for that matter,” Duterte said.

“Ako na ang hahawak nun (I will handle it). I will be the one directing. Guidance and directions lang naman ako eh,” he added.

Duarte, however, said that that possibility is still “a long journey.”

Albayalde stepped down from his post last Oct. 14 amid accusations that he was involved in the so-called ninja cops issue.

He officially retired from police service on Nov. 8 when he would reach the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Duterte earlier admitted he’s having a hard time choosing his third PNP chief.