Albayalde: I was also hurt by Tulfo’s remarks on DSWD Secretary Bautista

PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday said he too was hurt by Erwin Tulfo’s remarks hurled against Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Bautista.

“I’m a PMA-er (Philippine Military Academy alumnus), of course I was hurt na dahil na-drag yung whole PMA graduates sa sinabi niya. And of course, I’m the PNP chief and what will they (PMA alumni) think if I will not do something about it,” Albayalde said in an interview over CNN Philippines.

This comes after Tulfo berated Bautista, a retired general, over his radio program for supposedly refusing to grant him an interview.

READ: PIA chief calls Tulfo a ‘superstar wannabe’ after outburst at DSWD’s Bautista

Tulfo’s remarks did not sit well with active and retired soldiers. The radio personality’s outburst also cost him to lose police escorts for him and his brothers.

READ: PNP, AFP recall Tulfo brothers’ security escorts

“Ano naman din yung masabi sa akin? So I have to do also my responsibility, not only as the chief of the PNP but also as a PMA-er,” Albayalde continued.

When the comment of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on the matter was brought up, Albayalde agreed to what Panelo said, adding that he and his fellow PMA alumni “should all move forward.”

READ: ‘Respect should be given to everyone,’ says Palace on Tulfo fit vs Bautista

“As a matter of fact, when I heard Erwin Tulfo’s apology, it was very noble of him, very gentleman,” the PNP chief said of the radio broadcaster.

READ: Tulfo issues new apology after backlash for tirades vs DSWD chief

And is there a possibility that Tulfo and his brothers can earn back their police escorts?

“There is, there’s a chance, yes,” Albayalde answered. (Editor: Jonathan P. Vicente)