OIC Espina now has enough powers -PNP

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina has enough authority to effectively lead the police force, according to PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr.

Cerbo said this after the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) granted additional authorities, including the power to issue permit for the importation and transportation of explosive devices, to Espina.

"Sa ngayon nakikita mga mahalagang kapangyarihan ay andun na para effectively mapamunuan PNP," he said at a press briefing on Friday.

Asked if the PNP is in urgent need to have a new chief, Cerbo just said: "100 percent ma-deliver namin mandate - enforcement ng batas, ensure public safety and internal security."

He added that it would be the prerogative of President Benigno Aquino III as to when a new PNP chief will be appointed.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAPOLCOM vice chairman and executive officer Eduardo Escueta said NAPOLCOM, through its recently approved Resolution No. 2015-106, authorized Espina to approve and issue permits for the importation or transportation of “ammunitions, explosives, firearms of any type/caliber, weapons systems and accessories attached or pertaining to air, naval and land assets”.

“The Commission granted this additional authority to OIC Espina to assure speedy action of the PNP on applications for importation of firearms, explosives, ammunitions and other weapons systems submitted to the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) by, or for and on behalf of, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Escueta said. -NB, GMA News