PNP allays worries on possible leadership change a day before Eleksyon 2022

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday assured the public that the police organization can still secure the 2022 polls despite its possible change of leadership a day before Election Day.

In a radio interview, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the police are ready to respond to security concerns during the elections.

“Wala dapat pong ipangamba yung ating mga kababayan magkaroon man o hindi ng change of leadership sa PNP. Handa na po ang PNP para tugunan ang pangangailangan pagdating sa seguridad dito sa ating eleksyon,” she said.

(There is no reason for the public to worry about whether the PNP will have a change of leadership or not. The PNP is prepared to provide the needs for the security of our elections.)

According to her, PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos is looking forward to his retirement on May 8 when he reaches the retirement age of 56.

Asked who will replace Carlos, Fajardo said they are still waiting for the announcement of President Rodrigo Duterte about the appointment of the possible new head of the PNP.

On November 12, Carlos officially took over the PNP leadership. He was the seventh PNP chief under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Carlos said his leadership would focus on ensuring the orderly and peaceful conduct of the national and local elections on May 9

Meanwhile, Fajardo said the additional police personnel—including the reactionary standard support forces (RSSFs) from PNP national and regional headquarters, as well as the around 16,000 cops under training—are expected to be deployed to election areas of concern by next week.

“Kasama na rito yung mahigit 16,000 na mga nagte-training na mga pulis na pansamantalang sinuspend yung kanilang mga training para maisama sila doon sa mga idadagdag na pulis na magre-render ng election duties particularly doon sa areas na napapasailalim doon sa areas of concerns,” she said.

(Included were over 16,000 police under training, which was temporarily suspended to include them in the additional police forces who will render election duties particularly in election areas of concern.) — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News