Cascolan formally assumes post as new PNP chief

Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan on Wednesday formally took over the leadership of the 205,000-strong Philippine National Police.

Cascolan replaced retired Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in a change of command ceremony held at Camp Crame, which was virtually attended by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

In his speech, Cascolan said to lead the police organization is a big challenge, especially that he was given the mandate at a "most crucial time" due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I will lead this organization along the footsteps of my predecessors and along the shadows of their leadership and building on what they have started," Cascolan said.

"I will lead the PNP along with the vision of a highly-capable, effective, and credible PNP that provides better and more reliable, more efficient and more effective police services," Cascolan added.

The new PNP chief also vowed to work hard to restore the public's trust and respect for the police organization. He admitted that the PNP is "plagued with issues," which often undermines its efforts.

"I will endeavor to lead our Team PNP that promotes the aspirations of every Filipino for a nation that is peaceful, secure, free of illegal-drugs and corruption, and progressive because it has a police service that is highly-capable, effective, and credible," Cascolan said.

"I remain confident that the PNP will be able to regain the trust and confidence of the public because we have the PNP PATROL Plan 2030 that will keep us moving forward and overcome adversities as we continue our transformation journey," he added.

He also emphasized that the police force would not be effective without the help and support of the communities as he cited the help of citizens in neutralizing criminals as well as their assistance in anti-crime and public safety programs.

"It is this police-community partnership that we will now endeavor to raise, re-energize and strengthen towards becoming a truly potent weapon against crime," Cascolan said.

Meanwhile, Año urged all policemen to support Cascolan in his latest appointment.

He also encouraged all police officers to be more flexible to fight the threats being faced by the society. 

"Continue to modernize the police force and be ready partners of nation building and never falter from your sacred oath to serve and protect the Filipino people," Año said.

Cascolan is the PNP's 24th chief.

He is also the fourth PNP chief under the Duterte administration, the others being Gamboa, now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde. All four belong to the Philippine Military Academy "Sinagtala" Class of 1986.

Cascolan is set to retire in November, unless President Rodrigo Duterte decides to extend his term. — RSJ, GMA News