Pending complaint vs. Albayalde before DOJ has no effect on his retirement benefits — Banac

Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde will still enjoy his full retirement benefits, according to the spokesman of the police organization on Friday.

"Yes, he will receive all his retirement benefits. No admin case filed against him," Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac told GMA News Online.

Banac said the pending complaint against Albayalde before the Department of Justice (DOJ) has no bearing on his retirement.

"Kahit may kaso sa DOJ, it is a separate matter. No effect on his retirement," Banac said.

Albayalde was named as one of the respondents in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group's complaint that originally sought the prosecution of 13 police officers allegedly involved in a controversial drug operation in Pampanga in 2013.

He is accused of "misappropriating confiscated drugs in violation of the dangerous drugs law, graft, falsifying public documents, and failing to prosecute a team of police officers allegedly involved in the 'recycling' of illegal drugs seized in a legitimate operation."

On November 5, the former PNP chief already submitted his affidavit as regards the criminal complaint he is facing before the DOJ.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has said the Department of the Interior and Local Government found no reason to file an administrative complaint against Albayalde, noting that the former PNP chief could only be held liable for command responsibility over the "ninja cops" mess.

Albayalde retires from police service on Friday, November 8. According to Banac, the former PNP chief chose to not be accorded with the retirement honors for a retiring, high-ranking police official.

"Wala na po tayong retirement honors sa kadahilanang ito po ay optional at hindi na po nag-avail si General Albayalde ng retirement honors. Normally isinasabay ito sa turnover of office ceremony," Banac said at a separate press briefing.

Albayalde stepped down from his post as PNP chief last October 14 due to the "ninja cops" controversy.  — RSJ, GMA News