Extension as PNP chief from Duterte “indefinite”: Dela Rosa

February 22, 2018

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald dela Rosa said he is indefinitely extended as chief of the national police by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I was told it's indefinite so I will just wait for the order on how definite is indefinite,” Dela Rosa said in an interview with reporters in Camp Crame Thursday.

Dela Rosa on Wednesday met with Duterte in Malacanang where the president told him about his extended tour of duty as national police chief and where they discussed some other matters.

“When he sat on his chair he told me Bato I will extend you because we still have a lot of problems in the PNP,” Dela Rosa recalled Duterte as telling him.

Dela Rosa said he did not ask Duterte about the duration of term extension.

“I know the president and he is turned off if you will ask a question like that,” said Dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986 has yet to complete his first three-month extension. He was supposed to retire on Jan. 21 where he reached 56.

National Police Commission (Napolcom) vice chairman Rogelio Casurao said Dela Rosa can serve for an extended period while the country remains under a station of national emergency

Casurao cited Section 26 of Republic Act 6975 or the PNP Law which states that the “chief of the PNP shall serve a term of office not to exceed four years: provided, further, that in times of war or other national emergency declared by Congress, the President may extend such term of office.”

“The president can extend the services of the chief PNP under our laws,” he said in a phone interview. DMS