PNP says possible change in leadership won’t affect poll preparations

FILE PHOTO: PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos. Photo from PNP PIO

TAGAYTAY CITY, Philippines — The possible last-minute change in the police leadership would not affect preparations for the 2022 national and local elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the public on Friday.

In a statement from PNP Public Information Office (PNP-PIO) chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Augustus Alba, he said that the national police is ready to secure the upcoming elections despite uncertainty on the fate of incumbent chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos.

Carlos’ retirement date — his 56th birthday — on May 8 presents a dilemma as it would be just a day before the May 9 polls. Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that he has named two officials whom President Rodrigo Duterte may appoint to succeed Carlos in an officer-in-charge capacity.

According to Alba, it is through Carlos’ leadership that a seamless transition will occur if ever the incumbent PNP chief will be replaced.

“We can somehow emphasize that the PNP is willing and ready to secure the May 9 local ang national elections. The possible change in leadership won’t diminish the value of our preparation for the upcoming polls at ito ay dahil sa epektibong pamumuno ni PNP Chief Carlos,” Alba said.

The PNP-PIO head said they are leaving it up to President Duterte to decide who would lead the police force after Carlos.

“We will leave it to the President to decide kung sino ang ituturo na next PNP Chief following the retirement of PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos on May 8.  May mga na-submit na po na pangalan sa Pangulo and in no time, malalaman din natin ang kanyang desisyon,” he added.

Año said that Duterte has discretion to appoint anyone outside his recommendation, and to also possibly extend Carlos’ term until his last day in office, at June 30.

However, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) head said Duterte is more likely to appoint an officer-in-charge.

READ: 2 senior officials recommended as acting PNP chief 

Last April 18, Carlos said in a press conference that he has not received any order to step down earlier from his post, saying that the absence of any directive may be an indication that he should just continue working.

But he also clarified that he would abide by any order either from Año or Duterte himself.

READ: Carlos says no order yet to step down as PNP chief earlier than retirement date

PNP’s participation as a deputized agency by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will be very crucial in ensuring peaceful polls, especially in locales deemed as areas of concern.  As of April 26, eight areas have been placed under Comelec control to ensure that elections would be fair and honest.

EDV