A police officer who can promise to kill drug lords may have a shot to become the next chief of the Philippine National Police, President Duterte bared yesterday.
The President said he wanted a “better deal” from the contenders for the next PNP chief amid his continuing search.
“I mean they’re all good, but I want a better deal. It’s not enough that you recommend to me,” he said during an interview over GMA morning show “Unang Hirit” about the police officers recommended for the PNP top post.
“Kung sabihin ko, ‘Sir, pag ako ang pinili mo, patay lahat ang drug lords, patay lahat ang…’ Okay, ikaw. If you cannot give me that guarantee, ay huwag na,” he added.
The President admitted that he has not yet chosen the next PNP chief, saying he was having difficulty in the search.
“Wala pa,” he said. “Hirap ako sa pulis, mahal ko ‘yung mga pulis ko pero hirap ako sa mga opisyal,” he said.
Last week, Duterte raised the possibility of taking the helm of PNP if he cannot find an honest police chief.
He said he would not appoint anyone who has a single case of corruption. “I would rather not appoint anybody for that matter. Ako na maghawak,” Duterte said in an interview with reporters in Malacañang.
“Ako na hahawak ‘nun. I will be the one directing the…Guidance and direction lang naman ako,” he added.
Asked how he will decide on whether or not he will lead the police force, Duterte said: “If you’re talking of arrival, that could be a long journey. Matagal pa siguro ‘yan but that is in the event I could not find somebody I can trust.”
Erstwhile PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde quit his post ahead of his Nov. 8 retirement amid allegations of involvement in the drug recycling scandal. He denied the allegations.
Among the nominees reportedly recommended to take the place of Albayalde are Police Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, the current officer-in-charge and deputy chief for administration; Police Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, deputy chief for operations; and Police Major Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the directorial staff.
The three police officers have reportedly been recommended by the National Police Commission and Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año. (Genalyn Kabiling)