Duterte’s disappointment over ”ninja cops” is one of the reasons

January 2, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte's disappointment over the “ninja cops” controversy is one of the reasons he has not chosen anyone to lead the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano said Thursday.

''I admit that is one of the reasons ( why he has not named a PNP chief). He was really disappointed in the 'ninja cops' incident,'' said Ano in a phone interview with reporters.

Since Police General Oscar Albayalde stepped down as PNP chief more than two months ago, Duterte has not decided on his replacement.

Albayalde went on non-duty status ahead of his retirement after allegations during a Senate hearing that he protected police officers involved in recycling  illegal drugs.   

Ano said Duterte was disappointed there are still scalawags within the 205,000-strong PNP despite giving them benefits.

“He has given everything to the PNP, including doubling  the salary of the police officers and yet there are still policemen doing this,” Ano said.

On December 30, Duterte tasked Ano to temporarily lead the police force.

Ano said Duterte is closely watching the three contenders for the post namely PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and chief of the directorial staff Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar. DMS