Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 23) — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. is retiring on Monday after 38 years of service, but he admits he still has no idea who will succeed him.
“Ang ire-recommend ko nga is ‘yung mas mahigpit pa sa akin,” he told reporters on April 17. “Dahil nagle-level up tayo. Ako ata ang isang CPNP na walang asim at aray. ‘Yun ang nasa record.”
[Translation: I will recommend someone who is tougher than me because we are currently leveling up. I think I’m the only chief PNP who has no “asim at aray.” That’s what’s on the record.]
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The next PNP chief will face big challenges as the agency is currently mired in controversies.
Some PNP officials have been implicated in the seizure of almost a metric ton of shabu found in the property of Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo in Tondo, Manila in October of last year.
The Special Investigation Task Group 990 found 49 members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group to be criminally and administratively liable.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos also called on third level officials to file their courtesy resignation as part of the agency’s effort to cleanse its own ranks.
Section 25 of Republic Act 6975 states that the president will choose the next PNP chief “upon recommendation of the (National Police) Commission from among the most senior and qualified officers in the service.”
“Provided, however, that in no case shall any officer who has retired or is retirable within six (6) months from his compulsory retirement age be appointed as Chief of the PNP,” the law further said.
“Ang usual candidates po diyan ay ang mga susunod po na miyembro ng command group dahil sila ang most senior officers,” PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo previously said. “However, alam naman natin na merong records na may na-a-appoint outside the PNP Command Group.”
[Translation: The usual candidates are the incoming members of the command group because they are the most senior officers. However, we know that some people outside the PNP Command Group had been appointed to the post.]
Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are the three top officers of the command group:
— Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia
— Deputy Chief for Operations Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo
— Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, chief of the directorial staff.
The other contenders are the following:
— Directorate for Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda
— Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management Chief Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz
— Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.
— National Capital Region Police Office head Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo
In a message, former PNP chief and now Health Undersecretary Camilo Cascolan said the next person who will take the helm of the police force should have a good reputation in service.
“Service reputation, accountability and responsibility. He should lead, mentor and discipline. Look after the morale and welfare of his people. Push for the best for his people (not his),” Cascolan told CNN Philippines.
For former PNP Chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, the next top cop must have a strong leadership.
“Someone who can really lead, decisive but fair. Basing his decisions always from facts! He should focus on serving the people and improving the discipline within the PNP while looking after their welfare,” Albayalde said.
“What is important at this time of great tribulation being experienced by the organization is to be led by one professional police officer who has not been tainted by, nor benefitted (including the members of his/her family) from any connections with the illegal drugs,” said former PNP Chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos.
