Banac: Nothing to worry about Duterte wanting a PNP chief who vows to kill drug lords

President Rodrigo Duterte's remark that he would choose as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief someone who would vow to kill "all" the drug lords is not a cause for worry, spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said on Tuesday.

In an exclusive interview on Unang Hirit on Monday, Duterte said he wants a "better deal" from the police officials being eyed for the top post.

"It's not enough that you recommend to me. Kung sabihin, 'Sir pag akong pinili mo patay lahat ang drug lords, patay lahat ang...' Okay, ikaw," he said.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, Banac said that the Chief Executive was just emphasizing his administration's campaign against illegal drugs, noting that Duterte wants police to go after high-value targets.

"Wala po dapat ikabahala, alam naman natin ang Pangulo ay talagang nagbibigay ng diin sa kaniyang kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga at nais niyang tukuyin ay of course 'yung ating pagtugis sa mga high value targets katulad ng mga drug lords at mga drug traffickers," Banac said.

"Maaaring nais piliin ng pangulo ay chief PNP na magpapatuloy dito sa ating direksyon na tinatahak ngayon," he added.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo also said that Duterte wants an honest man to lead the PNP after the ninja cops controversy that led to then-PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde leaving the post ahead of his retirement.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año has endorsed Police Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar and Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa to Duterte for the top post in the PNP.

At present, the PNP is being led by Gamboa in an officer-in-charge capacity. — BM, GMA News