”No indications” on who will succeed Gamboa as PNP chief: Banac

August 26, 2020

One week before the retirement of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the PNP on Wednesday said they still have not received information on who will be its next leader.

In a radio interview, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said choosing the next PNP chief will be up to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Right now, we have not received any indications on who will be chosen because it’s in the powers of the president on who will he choose as the next PNP chief,” Banac said.

He said based on the existing law, Duterte can choose among police officers with a rank of brigadier general up to lieutenant general.

“What is important is the President’s confidence, trust and of course the track record of the one he will choose,” Banac said.

“It is important that the President can study his options,” he added.

Gamboa, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986, will reach his mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 2.

Asked if there is a possibility for a term extension, Banac said it is also up to Duterte.

Banac said they are preparing for the chief PNP’s retirement and they are ready on whoever the president will choose as Gamboa's replacement

“The PNP is ready anytime on whoever the president will choose as the leader of the police agency,” said Banac.

In case Duterte needs more time, Banac said he can assign an officer-in-charge for the meantime.

“Just like what happened to PNP chief Gamboa when he was assigned as officer-in-charge last October and was appointed to a permanent status last January,” he said.

According to Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano, the shortlist of successors of Gamboa are PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar and directorial staff chief Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag.

Ano said Duterte has the option to choose anyone from the star-ranked officers within the 209,000-strong police force. Ella Dionisio/DMS