Albayalde resigns amid drug ‘recycling’ probe

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief stepped down from his post on Monday, weeks ahead of his retirement from the service amid allegations of his involvement in a case of illegal drug “recycling.”

“After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as chief PNP effective today and go on non-duty status,” General Oscar D. Albayalde said during the flag raising ceremony in Camp Crame.

He said his letter of intent submitted to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año, which supervises the PNP, has been “accepted and favorably endorsed to the President.”

“Since I am retiring compulsorily on Nov. 8, 2019, this will pave the way for the appointment of my replacement should the President so desire,” Mr. Albayalde said.

Mr. Año, in a statement, confirmed Mr. Albayalde’s non-duty status, which the President has accepted.

Police Lieutenant General Archie F. Gamboa, who was recently promoted deputy chief of administration, has been designated as the officer-in-charge until President Rodrigo R. Duterte appoints a new chief.

Mr. Albayalde has been accused by retired high-ranking police officers, who stood as witnesses in a Senate investigation, of involvement and protecting the so-called “ninja cops” who sold illegal drugs seized during an operation.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, in a statement, said Mr. Albayalde’s resignation will not clear him of the allegations.

“His resignation ahead of his mandatory retirement, however, will not in any way clear him from his liability, both administratively or criminally, in connection with the Pampanga ninja cops issue,” Mr. Drilon said.

DAMAGE CONTROL

Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Ferdinand R. Gaite, meanwhile, said Mr. Albayalde’s resignation was a form of “damage control” for the PNP as an organization.

“They are trying to minimize the damage that Gen. Albayalde’s involvement had done which is why he was let go earlier. Malacañang officials may have talked to Albayalde over the weekend for him to resign and ‘take one for the team’ as they say,” Mr. Gaite said in a statement on Monday.

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson, however, opined that Mr. Albayalde’s pronouncements prior to his resignation “diminished the redeeming value of his intent to spare the PNP from the so-called ‘ninja cops’ controversies.”

Mr. Albayalde, in his speech on Monday, reiterated his denial of his involvement in the alleged drug recycling case. — Marc Wyxzel C. Dela Paz with Charmaine A. Tadalan, Vince Angelo C. Ferreras, and Reuters