Año: No shortlist yet for next PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has yet to submit a shortlist of candidates for the next chief of the Philippine National Police, contrary to what presidential spokesperson Harry Roque earlier said.

“I have not yet submitted my recommended list for the next chief PNP. I’ll submit the list in the last week of October,’’ Año said in a message on Friday.

Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the incumbent chief of the PNP, is set to vacate his post on November 13 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

“Seniority, merit, and service reputation will be my basis on coming up with a recommendation,” Año said.

Eleazar, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, is the 26th PNP chief and the sixth top cop under the Duterte administration. The appointment of a PNP chief requires confirmation from the Commission on Appointments, composed of members of Congress. —Dexter Cabalza