Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) — Soon-to-retire Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said he has advised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be “careful” in choosing the next head of the organization, as he alleged that certain individuals may be attempting to smear the PNP’s reputation.
He made the call on Monday during a press briefing where he defended high-ranking police officials implicated in the alleged ₱6.7-billion shabu haul “cover-up” last October.
While Azurin acknowledged that there are scalawags within the police force, he also raised the possibility that some officers are merely being set up and that he, himself, may even be a target.
The PNP chief expressed concerns that the same thing may happen to his successor.
“I have to warn even the president,” Azurin told reporters. “Sir, be careful in selecting ‘yung papalit sa ‘kin [my replacement].”
“Definitely, hindi ordinaryo ‘yung nabangga ko rito. Napakaliit ko lamang na kayang-kaya nila ako,” he also said. “How long can we stand the heat? That’s the problem. That’s why I’m worried sa ating pangulo, kung sino ang pipiliin niya na papalit sakin.”
[Translation: Definitely, I’ve earned the ire of someone a lot more powerful than I am… How long can we stand the heat? That’s the problem. That’s why I’m worried about who the president will pick as my replacement.]
Azurin is set to retire on April 24.
He said he has not recommended anyone to Marcos to be the next police chief, adding that he only suggested to the president to personally interview candidates for the post.
The head of the PNP also said he will be leaving the organization better than it was when he joined it nearly four decades ago, and that he is departing with his integrity “intact.”
During the briefing, Azurin denied allegations of a cover-up by his men, and said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos may have been fed with “ misinformation to cast doubt on the integrity” of the PNP.
READ: PNP chief denies ‘cover-up’ in ₱6.7B shabu haul arrest
He added that the supposed moves to discredit the organization may have something to do with the PNP’s attempt to unmask “syndicates” operating within the government.
“We need to identify the different branches (of syndicates),” he said.
“Wala pa ho tayo doon sa pinaka main branch. Palabas pa lamang tayo sa PNP para hanapin natin ‘yung ibang branch sa ibang mga sektor ng gobyerno natin, sinisira na po nila ang ginagawang imbestigasyon ng ating Philippine National Police sa 990 kilos (shabu haul),” Azurin continued.
