Albayalde won’t quit as PNP chief

FILE: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday (Aug. 7, 2019) (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Wednesday said he has no intention to resign from his post, noting that he still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Duterte despite allegations dragging him to the “ninja cops” issue.

“Abogado ang ating President hindi po yan nagde-decide based on accusation at naging piskal yan. (Our President is a lawyer. He is not the type to decide based only on accusations as he also served as a fiscal.) He acts on the basis of evidence, kaya sabi niya (that’s why he said) he will leave that up to Secretary (Eduardo Año) of DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government). Alam nyo naman ang ugali ng ating Pangulo pag talagang ayaw ka na niya, ayaw ka na niya (You know the President’s attitude. If he doesn’t like you, he really doesn’t like you),” Albayalde said in a radio interview.

Albayalde, who served as Pampanga provincial police chief at the time of the assailed anti-drug raid, was relieved from his post due to command responsibility.

The 13 erring cops were ordered dismissed but the penalty was reduced to demotion after a motion for reconsideration was filed on March 14, 2016.

Albayalde, who is up for mandatory retirement on November 8, said it would be up to the President to decide his fate.

“I will wait for the President’s decision and I will wait for (Interior) Secretary (Eduardo) Ano’s decision,” Albayalde said in a separate television interview.

“Whatever they say, as I have said, I am expendable,” he added.

He said this attack against him affects the PNP as a whole, including the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“It also affects the campaign against crimes and corruption. These attacks are directed against our reputation, including me, who leads the war on drugs. You be the judge. See it for yourselves,” the PNP chief said.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said there is no need for a loyalty check among their ranks.

“We do not see the need for a loyalty check for now. The whole PNP is in full support of the leadership and we are supporting our President as the Commander-in-Chief,” he told a press briefing on Wednesday at Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Banac said while many police officers are saddened by the recent events, they continue to fulfill their mandate.

On Tuesday, President Duterte said he will await results of investigations by the Senate and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año before deciding on whether or not to fire Albayalde over his alleged involvement in the ninja cops issue.