Gamboa officially assumes post as new PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa on Monday officially assumed office as the 23rd Philippine National Police (PNP) chief.

Newly designated PNP chief Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa (Photo by Krissy Aguilar / INQUIRER.net)

Gamboa served as PNP officer-in-charge (OIC) after former national police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde stepped down from his post ahead of his mandatory retirement.

“I hereby assume the position as chief Philippine National Police effective January 20, 2020,” Gamboa said during his reading of orders and assumption of office at the PNP General Headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Gamboa is set to receive his four-star rank from President Rodrigo Duterte in a ceremony in Batangas where the latter will inspect areas affected by Taal Volcano’ eruption.

Last Friday, January 17, 2020,  Duterte announced that Gamboa is the next PNP chief, months after Albayalde relieved his post after getting linked to the so-called “ninja cops” controversy.

The newly designated PNP chief has vowed to focus on the Duterte administration’s fight against illegal drugs and the internal cleansing of the police force.

Gamboa belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sinagtala” class of 1986 alongside .  Other members of the class are Albayalde and former PNP chief and now senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa.

Gamboa will retire on September 2 when he turns 56.

GSG