PNP chief Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan. Photo from PNP PIO
MANILA, Philippines — Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan on Wednesday vowed to push the Philippine National Police (PNP) to “work hard to restore public trust and respect” and “raise the level of service quality and delivery” as he officially takes the helm of the institution as the country’s top cop.
During the change of command at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Wednesday, Cascolan also pledged to lead a “highly capable” national police force.
Cascolan succeeded Gen. Archie Gamboa as PNP chief, as the latter reached his mandatory retirement also on Wednesday. Cascolan’s assumption to office came a day after President Rodrigo Duterte appointed him to the post.
“I now lead a PNP that will continue to focus its energies on results, and work hard to restore public trust and respect; a PNP that reengineers itself as it raises the level of service quality and delivery and command efficiency,” Cascolan said in his speech during the PNP change of command.
“And on top of all these, I will endeavor to lead our Team PNP that promotes the aspirations of every Filipino for a nation that is peaceful, secure, free of illegal-drugs and corruption and progressive because it has a police service that is highly capable, effective and credible,” he added.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement that he is optimistic that Cascolan will lead the PNP “with integrity, professionalism, and dedication to duty.”
Año even assured the public that Cascolan will “deliver the high demands of public service of the PNP” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Cascolan and Gamboa belong to the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986. Prior to being PNP chief, Cascolan served as PNP deputy chief for administration.
Cascolan is the 24th top leader of PNP, and he will reach his mandatory retirement in November 2021.