Dela Rosa on new PNP chief Eleazar: ‘Excellent choice’

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Wednesday said the Philippine National Police is "in good hands" following the appointment of Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar as the next chief of the police organization.

"Excellent choice. The PNP is in good hands. General Eleazar has the leadership qualities that would further elevate the level of professionalism in the PNP," dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, told reporters.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Eleazar will replace Police General Debold Sinas, who is set to retire on May 8.

Meanwhile, several lawmakers also welcomed Eleazar's appointment.

Deputy Speaker and Buhay Partylist Representative Lito Atienza said Eleazar is "so far the best" choice made by President Rodrigo Duterte for the position.

"Of all the appointments of President Duterte, this is so far the best. Homicide and killings are on the rise, PNP Chief Eleazar will have his hands full. We fully support," he said in a statement.

ACT-CIS Partylist Representative Jocelyn Tulfo echoed Atienza's remarks, saying Eleazar "could very well be the best appointee to PNP chief in a long time."

"General Eleazar has a strong and solid reputation as a true blue police officer who stands by and enforces the law without bias or discrimination," she said.

"I believe he is the right man for that job at a time when the PNP is in dire need of upright leadership, wisdom, and prudence," she added.

Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero also believes Eleazar has a proven track record and is a good choice as the country's next top cop.

"He sticks to the facts. He has proven himself as a law enforcer who lets the law and evidence serve as the bases of his decisions and actions," he said.

"He has wisely avoided controversies. He has let common sense and fairness serve as his guides, earning the admiration of his fellow PNP officers and the general public," he added.

Before his appointment as PNP chief, Eleazar served as the commander of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield in 2020.

He also became the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office before entering the PNP's Command Group. — BM, GMA News