PNP says Año in ‘best position’ to lead nation’s police force

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. (Photo from PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is in the “best position” to lead the country’s police force, citing that the latter is already “knowledgeable about the PNP.”

“As Chairman Napolcom [National Police Commission], Sec. Año is in the top hierarchy of the PNP Chain of Command, and is in the best position to cascade the strategic direction of the Commander-in-Chief upon the PNP,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said in a statement.

“Being the concurrent Chairman, Napolcom himself, Sec Año already knows all about the PNP,” he added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Año to lead the nation’s police force while he is still deciding the next PNP chief, who will replace former PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

The PNP also respects the Chief Executive’s decision to command Año in “fixing” and supervising the police force, Banac said.

“The PNP under Officer-In-Charge,  PLTGEN Archie Francisco Gamboa fully respects and supports the decision of the President Rodrigo R Duterte designating the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Honorable Eduardo Año lead and take over the administration and control of the PNP for the meantime,” PNP spokesman said in a statement.

Banac also noted that the PNP awaits “further guidance and instructions from Año,” saying they will give the Interior Secretary their full support.