BY MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, is willing to work for any government post once he officially turns over his badge next week.
Cascolan, who is set to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 for uniformed personnel on November 10, said Friday that President Duterte has yet to talk to him about the possible extension of his tenure.
“Wala pa. My birthday is on November 10 and of course, as a true soldier, we always just do our job up to the time that we will retire,” Cascolan told reporters at the sidelines of the blessing ceremony of the P1.22-billion newly procured PNP equipment at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“Yes, of course,” he responded when asked if he’s open to a government post. “I’m always here for the president.”
Duterte has a penchant for appointing retired police and military generals to various government posts, saying he values their professionalism and work ethics.
By the time that Cascolan retires on Tuesday, he would have served for two months and nine days since assuming office on September 2.
There are three police generals who were shortlisted to be the next head of the 209,000-strong police organization.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano and Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque both confirmed that the list was already submitted to Duterte ahead of Cascolan’s retirement.
Among the frontrunners to be Cascolan’s successor are Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, Police Lt. Gen. Hawthrone Binag, and Police Major Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz.
The three generals, along with Cascolan, comprise the PNP Command Group, making them eligible for the top police post.
Eleazar is the second in command as the deputy chief for administration (TDCA) and the concurrent commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID “Shield,” an inter-agency task force created to address security issues which arise from the COVID-19 pandemic.
He is followed by Binag, who is the deputy chief for operations (TDCO); and Cruz as the chief of directorial staff (TDCS).
The three police generals are all products of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Hinirang” Class of 1987.
However, among the “dark horses” in the race are Police Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, commander of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO); and Police Brigadier Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., commander of the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO-4A).
