PNP OIC says no change in his leadership even as Año tapped to lead

January 2, 2020

The officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said nothing has changed under his leadership even after President Rodrigo Duterte asked Interior Secrertary Eduardo Año to lead the organization. 

In a press briefing, Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa also disclosed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) added two more powers for him.

Gamboa said Duterte just reiterated his order when he assigned him last October 14.

“It will not change not unless some of the powers have been given by the Napolcom will be withdrawn. So far nothing was change,” he said.

“As a matter of fact before the Christmas season they added two new powers to me. The power to appoint police lieutenant colonels which I do not have before and to sit down in an observer status in the commission to actively participate in defending resolutions that the PNP has proposed to the commission for its enactment for a better and efficient service,” he added.

Gamboa said it is only the Napolcom who reviews his action as PNP OIC can revoke the powers given to him.

He added what is important now that Duterte has not yet chosen the next PNP chief is how the organization functions.

“Let's view it on the function and how the PNP runs. If functions are properly executed then I don't see any problem if the next chief PNP is not named yet,” Gamboa said.

It has been three months since then PNP chief, Police General Oscar Albayalde relinquished from his post after being involved in illegal drugs.

Duterte said he is having a hard time in looking for a “honest man” to lead the PNP.

Before the year ends, Duterte asked Año to lead and fix the PNP.

In a text message to The Daily Manila Shimbun, Año said he will closely supervise Gamboa and will institute some reforms that will help the organization.

“Meanwhile I wll closely supervise the PNP through its OIC PLtGen Archie Gamboa. I will also institute some reforms to make the organization more effective and efficient,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS