DILG urges PNP to support officer-in-charge

October 22, 2019

The Department of Interior and Local Government ( DILG) on Tuesday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to support the current officer-in-charge that was placed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“Upon the instruction of Secretary (Eduardo) Ano, I would like to announce to everyone that the current revamp or rigodon in the Philippine National Police has the full authority coming from Secretary Ano as the head of the DILG, the National Police Commission and the president himself,” Interior spokesperson and undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a press briefing.

“Therefore, we urge all officials of the Philippine National Police to support the restructuring or reshuffling which was implemented by the OIC of PNP, Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa,” he added.

The DILG urged the entire PNP organization to support Gamboa’s programs.

“This revamp or reshuffle is necessary for the Philippine National Police to regain the trust and confidence of the Filipino people and of the president. And for the entire organization to be able to move forward from the challenges and problems it has been facing lately,” said Malaya.

Malaya said they support Gamboa’s marching orders such as “no golf” during weekdays, no presence of any police officers in gambling joints, casinos, cockpits and public drinking places; no use of confiscated vehicles by any officials or officer of the PNP; and no use of private vehicles without plate numbers.

In an ambush interview,  Malay said according to Ano, Gamboa has the full authority coming from the president.

“There are incidents in the past that OICs were not able to move since they are not authorized,” he said.

Malaya said they did not receive any complaint from other police officers but he admitted receiving some information.

On Monday, Gamboa said there was no grumbling between high-ranking officials.

“It’s upon ourselves. To tell you honestly we had a lot of discussion but when we left (the office) it’s already done and they respect the decision of the OIC,” he said.

“We move forward,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS