Albayalde probe report out next week — DILG

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will submit next week to President Duterte the result of its investigation on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde and the shortlist of candidates to succeed him.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he would be recommending actions to the President concerning Albayalde’s alleged links to an anomalous anti-illegal drug operation in 2013 in Pampanga.

This comes on the heels of the DILG’s independent probe on Albayalde, who is already embroiled in back-to-back probes by the Senate, whose report on the matter would be taken into consideration, said the DILG chief.

“These are allegations and counter allegations between individuals, we need to evaluate based on logic, probability and supporting evidence,” he added. 

The DILG, however, is only looking at possible administrative charges in the controversy.

Año said he has not talked about the possible resignation of Albayalde, who is set to retire on Nov. 8, when they last talked last week.

“Resignation is voluntary, it is not being ordered. I would not want to say or give a hint. Nagsalita ang Pangulo na (The President said) I need proof. Credible proof or evidence before I can ask him to resign or early retirement. There is due process,” he added. 

The shortlist of Albayalde’s successors, Año said, will contain three to five names that are yet to be recommended by the National Police Commission.

Qualifications for the next PNP chief include seniority, merit and reputation and performance in previous assignments.