Duterte still weighing choices for next PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Days after former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde officially retired from service, President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to appoint his replacement.

Albayalde, who resigned as PNP chief last Oct. 14 amid accusations that he was involved in the so-called ninja cops issue, officially retired on Nov. 8, ending his 37-year police service.

Duterte was supposed to name the next top cop before or on Albayalde’s retirement but according to his closest aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the President is still weighing his choices.

“Hanggang ngayon wala pa siyang napipisil. Naghahanap siya ng honest na PNP chief. ‘Yung hinahanap niya talagang perfect na honest siguro. Nahihirapan siyang maghanap,” Go told reporters in Malacañang.

(Until now he has yet to choose. He’s looking for an honest PNP chief. I think he wants a perfectly honest leader. He is having trouble choosing.)

The senator also said Duterte may even consider a police officer with a lower rank to serve as the next PNP chief if he wants to.

“Alam ninyo prerogative ng (Chief) Executive, ng Pangulo na pumili kahit na one-star possible, two-star possible,” he said.

(It’s the President’s prerogative, he can choose even a police officer with one-star or two-star. It’s possible.)

Duterte earlier admitted having difficulty in choosing his third PNP chief.

READ: Duterte is having a hard time choosing next PNP chief

There are three names being floated as the possible next leader of the PNP — Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

Gamboa current holds the deputy chief for administration post and is also PNP’s officer-in-charge. Cascolan is the incumbent deputy chief for operations while Eleazar is now chief of the directorial staff of the PNP.

All three were recommended by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. /je