3 contenders for next PNP chief submitted to Duterte, DILG spox says

Three names have been submitted  to President Rodrigo Duterte by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año as contenders for the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said on Friday.

Malaya told GMA News Online that he could not reveal the names of the police officials and their ranks. The list was submitted a week ago.

"The President may choose from the list or he has also the discretion to appoint anyone from all the generals of the PNP," Malaya said.

PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986, is set to retire on September 2.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said the police force is already preparing the retirement honors for  Gamboa and a possible change of command ceremony.

Banac said it would be held at the PNP Multipurpose Center on September 2, subject to the availability of President Rodrigo Duterte as guest of honor and speaker and presiding officer.

"All invited officials will join the ceremony via video teleconferencing following quarantine restrictions. All health standards and safety protocols will be strictly observed," Banac said in a press statement.

Banac said other members of the PNP Command Group on the succession line to the chief PNP include Deputy Chief for Administration Police Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan, Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, and Chief of the PNP Directorial Staff Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne Binag.

"The PNP submits to the better judgment and freehand of the Chief Executive to exercise his prerogative of appointing the Chief PNP as provided by law," Banac said.—AOL, GMA News