Cascolan to act as PNP OIC upon Gamboa's retirement —Palace

Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan will act as officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) upon the retirement of PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Wednesday, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Cascolan is currently the second-in-command of the PNP as deputy chief for administration.

“Pag-retire po ni General Gamboa, it will be General Cascolan who will be OIC in the PNP,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a televised briefing.

Roque, however, declined to name Gamboa’s successor.

“Meron na pong pangalan na initially binigay pero I was given instruction i-hold muna po ang pag-announce,” he said.

Cascolan also briefly served as OIC in March after Gamboa figured in a helicopter crash in Laguna. Both Gamboa and Cascolan are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986. 

Cascolan ends his tour of duty in November this year.

Commenting on the development, the PNP said it welcomes the designation of Cascolan as the police organization's OIC.

"The momentum has been established for the next leader to push steadily forward towards a more productive and effective police service, and with the capabilities and expertise of General Cascolan, the PNP will surely continue to excel in preserving peace and order and security, especially in critical issues of illegal drugs, crime, terrorism and corruption," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a statement.

"Police Lieutenant General Cascolan brings with him the occupational specialty in command and control, honed by vast experience in field operations and strategic management," Banac added.

Banac said the designation of an OIC would ensure the continuity of command in the supervision of all administrative and operational execution of the police organization, especially in this period of health crisis.

"Refueling our energies and strengths in this time of health crisis is what we need in order to provide the best public service to our people," he said. — with Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/RSJ, GMA News