PNP chief Archie Gamboa continues to be thankful for second life

March 5, 2020 is one date Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa (PMA Class of 1986) will never forget. It was a Thursday morning when he, an aide, three other police generals and three crew members boarded a PNP Bell-429 helicopter for a command visit to Calamba. The helicopter was parked in an empty, dusty lot and upon takeoff, heavy dust reduced visibility to almost zero. As a result, the helicopter got entangled in high-tension wires and crashed shortly thereafter.

Fortunately, the PNP chief suffered relatively minor injuries from this near-death experience. Gamboa said, “I am thankful for my second life because it strengthens my sense of purpose. Beyond the title or position, I am here for a reason, to fulfill my life’s mission: To leave a PNP that my children would be proud to say was led by their father. I swore to myself, lahat ng naisip ko, lahat ng pangarap ko, gagawin ko.

“I want the PNP to be technology-forward. I want law enforcement to be at par with our regional neighbors. Police institutions must be upgraded so we can educate future policemen better. Ang daming kawawang pulis. You can’t have a peaceful and economically progressive society without efficient law enforcement as its backbone.”

Gamboa believes that it was through the crash that God put him exactly where He wants him.

Not many know that he is also a lawyer by profession. He went to law school at Ateneo de Davao University, transferred to the Camp Crame-based Jose Rizal University, then passed the bar in 2004.

These schools contributed to his strong work ethic. He does his homework, reads a lot and carefully studies documents that need his approval. He’s currently implementing a comprehensive information technology and communication roadmap for the PNP, aside from upgrading the education, recruitment policy and training of policemen.

His continuing cleansing operations within the organization are paramount. Just recently, nine cops figured in a shooting incident killing four soldiers in Sulu. The case has been turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for impartial investigation.

Lastly, his relentless fight against illegal drugs (seizing drugs worth P8.4B in nine days) is especially noteworthy, surpassing 2015’s best figures. For him, it all boils down to less tough talk and more action.

According to Gamboa, the pandemic has challenged the 205,000-strong PNP. The policemen at the forefront of the quarantine are risking their safety, security and health while ensuring the peace and order of the general public.

As of July 1, 754 police personnel have tested positive for the virus while nine have died. All police camps have quarantine areas for asymptomatic COVID positive cases while local hospitals handle the PNP’s symptomatic cases. In addition to the usual regular triage checks, they have established a P300/day Rapid Test (RT) and PCR Center in Crame. By August, they will complete a quarantine center in Cebu City. Admitted COVID positive cases get a full refund of their hospital expenses. In case of death, the family of the deceased gets full benefits from the PNP with a line of duty death status.

Behind the PNP chief’s powerful position, good looks and mild-mannered demeanor is his beautiful wife Twinkle, whom he met in Butuan city in the late ‘80s. Back then, telephone lines were unreliable and so they used two-way radios to talk. He first “met” her on air, then they saw one another in person after some time. They have two children. Daughter Marianne handles the family business in Davao while son Tym is a pilot and married to Shey. Tym and Shey have a son named Travis who is Gamboa’s only apo.

Coincidentally, Travis was born on the day his grandpa was appointed PNP chief by President Rodrigo Duterte last Jan. 20. Now that he’s a certified lolo, life is so much more enjoyable, with family always coming first and Sundays held sacred. They hear Mass together and the readings are taken to heart. Family members update one another during meals that are made more delectable with the occasional lechon or kambing dish (his favorites) and many desserts (he’s a certified sweetaholic). To burn calories, the family plays badminton games, which the chief usually wins because of his “mean” skills.

He’s set to retire in September when he turns 56, the PNP’s mandatory age of retirement. He doesn’t see himself sitting back and slowing down, though. He’d like to remain productive and look into possible business ventures. Meanwhile, he continues to hit the ground running and isn’t slowing down despite being only two months away from retirement. Though his job is far from easy and even tougher days lie ahead, he prays that the confidence and knowledge that he applies each day to every task is nothing short of his very best. The President, the country and the people expect no less from their PNP chief.

Maybe it’s time to revisit the retirement age to allow our efficient and productive servants to serve us for a few more years.