Albayalde vows to expedite pending cases vs. cops

Incoming Philippine National Police chief Director Oscar Albayalde vowed to expedite pending cases against police officers as part of internal cleansing.

Albayalde said that as National Capital Region Police Office chief, he had already dismissed 279 police officers, demoted 99, suspended 825, and reassigned 365 outside the NCR since July 1 last year.

“I will all expedite this,” Albayalde said.

“Remember 'yung mga ninja cops na dinala sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Mindanao. So ganyan din. I think medyo bibilisan nga natin 'yung mga administrative cases para mabigyan din naman ng due process. This is part of the due process naman na para sa mga accused din,” he added.

Asked whether there would be more cops who will be dismissed, Albayalde said it will depend on the cases as they will be given due process.

“Depende. Hindi naman porket may kaso ka, madi-dismiss ka. There are cases na nadi-dismiss 'yung kaso, hindi 'yung tao,” he said.

“Hindi naman kasi porket na-dismiss ka lalo na kung in line of duty, alam na alam mong countercharge lang ‘yan. Hindi naman basta chinarge ka, you're already guilty. You'll be given due process. Marami din naman 'yung exonerated na makita natin talagang it’s just part of their job,” he added.

Known for his surprise inspections of police stations in Metro Manila, Albayalde said he would focus on instilling discipline and demanding accountability of the police force under his leadership.

Albayalde added he would hold ground commanders down to police community precincts "responsible" for the discipline and actions of their own men.

He has sacked a number of policemen and officials which include 1,000 police personnel of Caloocan City Police. In his bid to cleanse the police force from erring cops, Albayalde conducts surprise visits to police stations in Metro Manila even in the wee hours.

This even led to the relief of the chiefs of police of Pasay City and Muntinlupa after their police officers at precincts were caught either sleeping or drinking alcohol while on duty.

Caloocan City Police and Manila Police District (MPD) Station 11 commanders have also been relieved from their posts over "unsolved series of incidents". The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 10 commander meanwhile was also removed from his post "for having a filthy station."

Duterte on April 5 announced during an awarding ceremony in Malacañang that Albayalde would succeed Ronald "Bato"dela Rosa as head of the PNP.

"Albayalde is the man for you. The stricter, the better," Duterte said.

Albayalde is set to take over the PNP helm on April 19 while his retirement is on November 8, 2019. —KG, GMA News