Año: Next PNP chief must have good career pattern, no pending court case

MANILA, Philippines — If Interior Secretary Eduardo Año will decide, the next chief of the nation’s police force must have a good career pattern with no pending case in court.

“He must be credible with a good career pattern and meritorious record, senior and no pending case in court. But the  President has the prerogative to choose any general even outside the shortlist,” Año said in a text message to INQUIRER.net in response to a query on which qualities should the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief must possess.

Año added that he would submit a list of candidates for the next PNP chief to President Rodrigo Duterte late next week. He, however, declined to divulge the names of his recommendations.

Incumbent PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa is set to retire on Sept. 2 this year. Gamboa said in a previous television interview that he would vow to the government’s decision if it would mean extending his time at the helm of the police organization.

There were also some reports that Gamboa will be appointed as head of the National Bureau of Investigation. Gamboa responded to this claim, saying he is at the disposal of the government.

Duterte still has the freedom to choose the next PNP chief outside the list submitted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Duterte, however, should still choose a police officer with the rank of at least Brigadier General. [ac]