BY CHITO CHAVEZ
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said Friday he submitted to President Duterte the names of three police officials who are likely to replace Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa who will retire on September 2.
Año, however, refused to identify the three police officers, stressing that PNP personnel with star-rank are qualified for the top PNP post.
When asked about Gamboa’s possible extension from the service, Año said only the President has the power to do that especially in the midst of the pandemic.
Expounding further, Año explained that it is under the law for the President to extend the service of the chief PNP when the situation warrants it.
Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, deputy chief for administration and head of the Administrative Support to COVID-19 Operations Task Force (ASCOTF); Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for operations and commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield, and Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, chief of the PNP directorial staff.
Cascolan is a batchmate of Gamboa in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1986 and will retire in November.
Eleazar and Binag both belong to the PMA Class 1987 and will retire in November and April 2021, respectively.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac noted the PNP is now preparing the retirement honors for Gamboa.
“PNP is now preparing to render retirement honors to Gen. Archie Gamboa and for possible change of command ceremony. It will be held at PNP Multi-Purpose Center on September 2, subject to availability of President Rodrigo Duterte as Guest of Honor and Speaker,” Banac said.
Banac said all the invited officials will join the ceremony via video teleconferencing following quarantine restrictions.
“All health standards and safety will be strictly observed,” he added. (Chito A. Chavez)
