Año says he’s ready to supervise PNP until Duterte finds next chief

Interior secretary Eduardo Año on Monday said he was ready to supervise the Philippine National Police until President Rodrigo Duterte appoints the next PNP chief.

"My job is to supervise the organization on his behalf as his alter ego, being the DILG Secretary and Chairman of NAPOLCOM," Año said in a statement. "I will do my job until the President chooses the next Chief PNP."

In a speech during his visit to earthquake victims in North Cotabato, Duterte said he told Año to take charge of the PNP for the next two years or until the two of them step down from their respective posts.

"Baw linti ang mga pulis. Dito okay lang, sa mga probinsiya mahusay ang mga pulis. But in Manila… that's why I did not appoint a PNP [chief].  Sabi ko kay General Año na hawakan niya muna," the president said.

The DILG secretary, however, said the president is still searching for a permanent PNP chief.

"I believe he has choices in his mind but he is closely watching the performance and conviction of of these candidates particularly on the fight against illegal drugs and professionalizing the PNP ranks," Año said.

Former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde stepped down from the post in October following alleged drug recycling and the issue on "ninja cops."  

Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa was appointed officer-in-charge of the PNP shortly after Albayalde relinquished his position.

Año said he would closely supervise the PNP through Gamboa.

"I will also institute some reforms to make the organization more effective and efficient," he added.

Año submitted to the President a shortlist of his recommendations, endorsing Gamboa, Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar. —Marisse Panaligan/NB, GMA News