Malacañang said it was not surprising that it was taking President Duterte a long time to choose the next Philippine National Police chief, saying it was only natural for the President to look into each candidate thoroughly.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo made the statement following the official retirement of PNP chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde.
Albayalde had earlier resigned from his coveted post because of the “ninja” cops controversy and a controversial drug raid in Pampanga in 2013.
Panelo said Duterte has not yet mentioned any name concerning the vacant post. However, he said that it did not really matter if it was taking Duterte a long time to choose a name.
“Wala pang sinasabi si Presidente,” he said yesterday. “Eh, ano naman kung matagalan? Ganoon talaga. Ang isang pangulo bago mamili dapat pinag-iisipang mabuti,” he added.
Panelo expressed confidence that the PNP can still function properly even without a permanent chief. “Kahit na wala pang permanente, meron namang OIC, at magaling yung OIC,” he said, referring to PNP officer-in-charge Police Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa.
Duterte had earlier said that searching for the next PNP chief was not an easy task.
“Nangita lang ko’g kuan police – private. Naga-survey pa ako kung saan mahanap ‘yan. Mahinap,” he said. “Wala namang sinabi sa akin na ‘yung pangyayari sa Pampanga o ano. Eh hindi ko man alam lahat ng krimen sa Pilipinas before I became President,” he added. (Argyll Geducos)
