Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año has vowed to institute reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP) after President Duterte ordered him to supervise the police force.
“My job is to supervise the organization on his behalf as his alter ego, being the DILG Secretary and Chairman of National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM),” Año said in a statement.
“I will do my job until the President chooses the next Chief PNP,” he added.
The President made the call during his recent visit to earthquake victims in North Cotabato.
Año said the President is still searching for the next permanent PNP chief.
“I believe he has choices in his mind, but he is closely watching the performance and conviction of these candidates particularly on the fight against illegal drugs and professionalizing the PNP ranks,” Año said.
Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa was appointed officer-in-charge (OIC) of the PNP after former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde relinquished his post due to mounting pressure after being accused of protecting his former men who were identified as “ninja cops’ or those reselling and planting as evidence their previously seized illegal drugs.
Año expressed readiness to supervise the PNP through Gamboa.
“I will also institute some reforms to make the organization more effective and efficient,” he added.
Aside from Gamboa, Año has recommended to the President Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar to the top PNP post. (Chito A. Chavez)
