Albayalde blames politics for ‘demolition job’

MANILA, Philippines — Gen. Oscar Albayalde has blamed politics within the police force, especially those relating to choosing his successor as police chief, for the issues being thrown at him.

Albayalde said he sees no other motive than his imminent retirement.

“Maybe those who want to become the next PNP chief have something to do with this,” Albayalde said in a television interview.

Four names have been floated as the next possible PNP chief: Albayalde’s classmates in the Philippine Military Academy Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa and Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan; Metro Manila’s top cop Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and PNP Firearms and Explosives Office director Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon.