Still no PNP chief

President Duterte has yet to appoint a new Philippine National Police chief, days after former head Oscar Albayalde retired from the PNP.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the President was still weighing the choices for the next chief of the 180,000-strong police force.

“So what if it is taking long? That’s the way it is. A president has to think thoroughly before making an appointment,” Panelo said in a radio interview yesterday. “Let us allow the President to choose. Let us not preempt his decision.”

Albayalde, who is facing charges of graft and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act in connection with a controversial 2013 drug raid, retired last Friday.

The former police chief, who relinquished his post on Oct. 14, has denied involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Duterte previously admitted he was having a hard time choosing the next PNP chief, saying his main criteria in selecting Albayalde’s successor is honesty.

Panelo shrugged off the statement of PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac that the absence of a permanent chief could affect big projects of the police force. “That’s his opinion, but even if there is no permanent replacement yet, we have an OIC (officer-in-charge) and the OIC is good,” Panelo said.

Police Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa was named PNP OIC after Albayalde stepped down from his post.

Three officers are vying for the post Albayalde left: Gamboa, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan and Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

Sen. Christopher Go said the President has been home in Davao City for the weekend and is expected to name the next PNP chief this week.