MANILA – General Oscar Albayalde said that relinquishing his post as chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was the “best decision” to protect the morale of the country’s police force.
In an interview with ABS CBN’s TV Patrol on Monday evening, Albayalde said that he wants “to spare the PNP from further demoralization” after his name was dragged to the “ninja cops” mess.
“For the past few weeks, talagang may stress talaga pero sa ngayon after what I decided, medyo na-release na din,” Albayalde said. “That is the best decision na nagawa ko given the circumstances.”
“Sa akin, I served my country well, from the start na I was the regional director of the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office),” he added. “Binigay ko, binuhos ko talaga ang sarili ko dito sa kampanya laban sa iligal na droga.”
Albayalde was head of the Pampanga police when 13 of its officers were accused of recycling some 160 kilos of shabu from a 2013 operation against a suspected Chinese drug lord.
The resigned PNP chief believes that his accusers retired generals Benjamin Magalong and Rudy Lacadin may have “personal reasons” on linking him to corruption.
“May mga personal reasons siguro na sila lang ang nakakaalam, mga accusers ko lang” Albayalde said.
Meanwhile, the PNP cannot charge administrative cases on its former chief Albayalde once he officially retires from service on Nov. 8.
PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said on Tuesday that PNP and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will lose jurisdiction on Albayalde once he retires.
“As long as he’s not retired, the PNP has jurisdiction; the NAPOLCOM has jurisdiction. After Nov. 8, hindi na siya puwedeng file-an ng administrative case. Why? Kasi wala nang jurisdiction,” Gamboa said in an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita.
Gamboa, meanwhile, said that a policy review must be done amid concerns on the fate of the 13 cops who had been demoted instead of getting dismissed.
“Now meron tayong principle sa batas na double jeopardy sa criminal cases. Dito naman sa admin, we call it barred by prior judgment. Hindi mo puwedeng buksan ang isang kaso na dati nang may judgment which has been final and served,” Gamboa added. /PN
