Duterte yet to indicate preference for next PNP chief —Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to name a successor to retiring Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, Malacañang said Thursday.

“Wala pa po,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a news conference when asked about the appointment of a new PNP chief.

“Naririnig lang natin ang mga contenders pero ako mismo po hindi ko kilala lahat ng mga contenders pero in due time po, kinakailangan mag-anunsyo na po ang Presidente dahil alam ko po magbi-birthday na si Chief Gamboa.”

Gamboa will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 2.

According to PNP spokesperson Bernard Banac, a senior official with a rank beginning from brigadier general is qualified for the position of PNP chief.

Banac also said the President has the discretion to extend Gamboa’s term.

In 2018, Duterte extended then-PNP chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s term for three months. Dela Rosa, now a senator, was succeeded by Gamboa’s predecessor Oscar Albayalde in April 2018. —LDF, GMA News