ILOILO City – Whoever will be the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has the support of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), according to spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong.
PNP’s Director General Oscar Albayalde stepped down on Oct. 14.
Malong said the men and women of the PRO-6 would heed advisories from the higher command.
The current PNP officer in charge is Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, the PNP deputy chief for administration.
“We assure full support to the next PNP chief. Our President has yet to pick from three recommendees who are all qualified,” Malong said.
Albayalde stepped down amid the “ninja cop” controversy – policemen recycling shabu confiscated from drug personalities.
Malong said Albayalde’s decision should be respected.
For his part, Gamboa vowed to continue the programs that Albayalde started.
“I’d like to tell the entire PNP: let’s do our job and let not controversies affect us,” said Gamboa.
During Monday’s flag-raising ceremony in Camp Crame, Albayalde said, “After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as Chief, PNP and go on a non-duty status.
Albayalde, who is set to retire on Nov. 8, was the Pampanga provincial police director when 13 of his men were involved in an anti-illegal drug operation in November 2013 which was found to be irregular.
Interior and Local Government secretary Eduardo Año commended Albayalde for his “selfless act in order to spare the PNP organization of the on-going controversy.”
“This will allow the PNP to move on and continue exercising its mandate of protecting and serving the people,” said Año./PN
