Politics ”not in my mind”: Albayalde

June 4, 2019

Philippine National Police ( PNP) General Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday said he does not see himself following the footsteps of other former police generals.

In an TV interview, Albayalde said he is not interested in running for a senatorial post or even entering the world of politics unlike former police generals and now senators, Ronald Dela Rosa, Panfilo Lacson Jr. and Rodolfo Biazon, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Gringo Honasan, an ex-Army officer.

As he is set to reach his retirement age on November, Albayalde see himself enjoying his time with his family.

"It's (politics) not in my mind. I just probably want to enjoy time with my family for a while," he said.

"I think they are doing good there (in the Senate)," he added.

The PNP chief said he is willing to accept any post that President Rodrigo Duterte will give to him.

"Who I am to reject it?" said Albayalde.

Asked about his accomplishments, Albayalde said he cannot please everbody.

"What I can say? There is a big change in the discipline (of the police)," he said.

Albayalde said since he was a junior officer he noticed that discipline is the biggest problem in the organization.

However he did not take credit for all accomplishments during police operations as this is part of their mandate.

"That is the focus and flagship programs of the government so we have to really support it. But on our own, what we did is the internal cleansing," said Albayalde.

But the PNP chief said change in the organization will not be fully achieved through his term.

"We want to professionalize PNP... I want leave this (legacy) although it will not happen during my time definitely because of the large-scale of the problem," Albayalde said.

He said their transformation plan is up to 2030.

"You cannot transform overnight. It is very important that this will be continue then there will come a time that PNP will be seen as professional police personnel and be treated with respect," he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS