Año commends ”selfless act” of Albayalde

October 14, 2019

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Monday commended the “selfless act” of Police General Oscar Albayalde who relinquished his post as head of the Philippine National Police ( PNP) following controversies being thrown at him in connection with “ninja cops” and illegal drugs.

“I commend Albayalde for his selfless act in order to spare the PNP organization of the on-going controversy,” Año said in a statement.

The interior secretary said he respected the decision of Albayalde.

“I favorably endorsed his intent to the President on Sunday night which has been accepted,” he said.

With his resignation, Año said this will allow the PNP to move on and continue exercising its mandate of protecting and serving the people.

“I thank him for his dedicated and distinguished service as head of the PNP,” he said.

In a TV interview after Albayalde’s announcement of stepping down from being the chief of the PNP during Monday’s flagraising ceremony at Camp Crame, Año called him a “statesman” and “gentleman”.

“To spare the President (Rodrigo Duterte) and the organization on this controversy, he would rather quit his post and make sure the organization will run smoothly and shall be protected,” said Año.

Año disclosed Albayalde was contemplating this move last week.

“It was last week, during the Wednesday hearing when he consulted me and I told him to think it over and do what is best for the organization and so he formally give his letter to me last Saturday,” he said.

Asked on the president’s reaction, the secretary said Duterte is thinking on what is good for the organization, for the government and for the public.

He added Duterte did not pressure him to resign.

It can be recalled Duterte ordered Año to investigate the case being faced by Albayalde before he decides on the fate of the police general.

Año said their investigation is still ongoing and he did not want to say whether Albayalde will face charges.

“It’s early to tell. We were looking at all angles and it’s a joint DILG national review and investigation so I don’t want to preempt or have premature conclusion. Let’s just wait for the investigation,” he said.

Meanwhile, in another interview, Año said Albayalde opted to resign as he cannot concentrate on his job due to the Senate hearings.

During their meeting, Año told Albayalde he never doubted him since he only met him during his stint as the chief of the PNP and not during his time as the director of Pampanga Provincial Police Office.

“Not a single day I saw him neglect on his job. As I said, my basis, the observation is based on his position and performance of his duty as chief PNP and I saw him really taking his job seriously,” he said.

“What happened in 2013 of course I was not aware of that. I was not the DILG back then I was with the Armed Forces of the Philippines so I told him when we talked not a single doubt I cast on him based on his performance as chief PNP,” he added.

Año assured Albayalde he will still receive his full benefits.

“Right now, General Albayalde is not held criminally or administratively, meaning to say he can retire fully and enjoy the benefits. But for example, there is a criminal or administrative case against him and if the decision or resolution was released, his benefits will be affected,” said Año.

For the next PNP chief, Año said he will submit his recommendation to Duterte within this week. However, he clarified Duterte is not “limited or restricted” to his recommendations.

“He is authorized to choose anyone from Police Brigadier General (one-star rank) up to Lieutenant General (three-star rank),” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS