Sueno dismissal won’t affect PNP operations, says ‘Bato’

The operation of the Philippine National Police will not be affected by President Rodrigo Duterte’s sacking of Interior Secretary Ismael “Mike” Sueno, Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said on Tuesday.

Citing “loss of trust and confidence” of the President, Malacañang announced that Duterte had ordered Sueno, a former South Cotabato governor, dismissed amid corruption allegations from his subordinates.

READ: Duterte pressed Sueno on corruption allegations—Palace

But Dela Rosa said the PNP’s operations, particularly its ongoing war against drugs, will not be disrupted even without the head of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The DILG oversees operations of the PNP, National Police Commission and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Duterte has yet to name Sueno’s replacement.

READ: Duterte pressed Sueno on corruption allegations—Palace

But earlier this year, rumors surfaced that the President will appoint former Senator and losing vice presidential bet Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to the DILG once the one-year appointment ban on defeated aspirants gets lifted in May.

Dela Rosa, however, chose to keep mum when asked if he could recommend anyone who could replace Sueno.

“I don’t want to comment. It’s an executive decision,” Dela Rosa said in a press conference at Camp Crame.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Duterte announced the sacking of Sueno after the 14th Cabinet meeting on Monday. IDL/rga

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