MANILA – A “big surprise” was how Oscar Albayalde described his selection as the new Philippine National Police chief.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced in an event in Malacañang on Thursday that the National Capital Region Police Office chief will replace Ronald dela Rosa, who has reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“Albayalde is the man for it,” the President said.
This was unexpected, Albayalde said in a television interview on Friday.
“Of course, masaya ako na ako iyong pinagkatiwalaan ng Presidente,” he said. “I am really surprised that the President gave me his trust and confidence. It’s a big surprise.”
“Sinabi sa akin dati na I am being considered (for the PNP chief post). Doon pa lang elated na ako,” he added. “Also, I am not from Davao, so I really did not expect na mapipili ng Presidente.”
That Albayalde was “too strict,” as what he was told, made Duterte choose him over another candidate, the President said.
“Then Albayalde is the man for you. The stricter the better,” said the President.
Before he was NCRPO director, Albayalde headed the Metro Manila police and the Pampanga Police Provincial Office.
“I promise that I will be part of that pagbabago, part of the change na pinangako ng ating Presidente,” Albayalde said.
Apparently dela Rosa himself pitched Albayalde as his replacement.
The outgoing PNP chief hoped the latter continues what he started in the government’s “war on drugs.”
“Continue the fight,” dela Rosa said. “I have recommended Albayalde to be the next PNP chief … for this government to have continuity in the war on drugs and our internal cleansing program in the PNP.”
The term of dela Rosa expired on Jan. 21 this year but Duterte extended this until April 21. Dela Rosa was set to head the Bureau of Corrections./PN
