Palace calls on new PNP chief to uphold rule of law

He also urged Cascolan to ensure that their ranks would be free of rogue cops. (File photo: Camilo Pancratius ‘Pikoy’ P Cascolan/Facebook)

MANILA – Malacañang on Wednesday called on incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, to uphold the rule of law in carrying out the operations of the police force.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this would be President Rodrigo Duterte’s first marching order to Cascolan when he formally assumes his position.

“Number one, of course, is to uphold the integrity of the rule of law as far as the PNP is concerned,” Roque said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source.

He also urged Cascolan to ensure that their ranks would be free of rogue cops.

“Number two, rid its rank of corruption,” Roque said, noting that it is the main reason why the President doubled the salary of the police and the military.

The third marching order, he said, is to sustain the gains of the administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal drugs amid allegations of human rights violations.

“Number three, sustain the gains of the drug war,” Roque said.

In a separate interview on the same program, Cascolan vowed to prioritize the drug war, cleanse the police ranks, and ensure the people’s safety and security.

He, however, said he has “no intention” of reshuffling officials within the PNP, except for those retiring soon.

Cascolan also promised to continue implementing the eight-hour work for police officers, saying that they work better when they are well-rested.

Lead with integrity

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año expressed hope that Cascolan would lead the police force with professionalism and dedication to duty.

“In the face of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) global pandemic, we are confident that the new PNP chief will deliver the high demands of public service expected by the public from the PNP as it continues to be a pillar in the battle against this dreadful disease,” Año said in a statement.

He also assured that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) would provide full support for Cascolan’s leadership.

Año thanked outgoing PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, for his service.

“On behalf of the men and women of the DILG and all its attached agencies, I salute you for your dedicated service to the country. Your commitment and professionalism are an inspiration to all government personnel,” he said.

Cascolan’s assumption was based on the rule of succession as the most senior official of the PNP.

He has only more than two months to lead the PNP as he will mandatorily retire upon turning 56 on November 10.

Gamboa and Cascolan were both members of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986.

Before being named as the PNP’s second-highest official, Cascolan also served as director for operations and of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in April 2018. (With reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)