Albayalde urges next PNP chief to continue key programs

“More than half of my life was centered here and I started my dream here. This was where I learned as a soldier, as an official and as a leader. So I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my alma mater, the PMA,” Albayalde said. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

BAGUIO CITY — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Saturday urged his successor to continue key policies, such as the strict implementation of practical programs for crime prevention and suppression, the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, and the internal cleansing, among ranks.

“It is very important for the successor, especially if you are the chief or commander whether in the police or military, the keyword is continuity. We are not like other institutions where one’s project will be different from that of the successor. Hopefully, before I retire as PNP chief, we see it to it that we are able to institutionalize our Patrol Plan 2030, our internal cleansing program, our internal discipline in the PNP and all other operational thrusts,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of the testimonial parade and review in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) here.

He, however, noted that the next PNP chief can make improvements to these programs.

Meanwhile, the outgoing PNP chief recounted his experiences as a PMA cadet and its vital role in his career.

“More than half of my life was centered here and I started my dream here. This was where I learned as a soldier, as an official and as a leader. So I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my alma mater, the PMA,” Albayalde said.

Asked on the legacy that he will be known for, the PNP chief said it is up for the Filipinos to judge him.

“I really do not know. Let the people judge me. I don’t know what the people will say. Whatever they will say I will accept. For myself, I did everything. I gave my best,” he said.

He said he is not privy on why an old allegation linking him to illegal drugs resurfaced.

“I don’t know. I really do not know why a very old and recycled issue was brought up again. Well, I just thought that things are really like that. It’s all part of public service,” he said.

Albayalde, who also served as Pampanga provincial police chief, was relieved from post due to command responsibility after several of his men were found to be involved in illegal drugs activities in Mexico town in 2014. The case, however, was dismissed.

Albayalde, a member of the PMA Sinagtala Class 1986, took over the helm of the 190,000-strong PNP in April 2018, replacing Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa.

He will step down upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on November 8.

After graduating from the PMA, Albayalde joined the elite PNP Special Action Force (SAF).

He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Manuel L. Quezon University in Manila.

Prior to his appointment as PNP chief, Albayalde served as director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in July 2016.

During Albayalde’s term as NCRPO chief, some 20,000 Metro Manila policemen secured the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in 2017.