Duterte considering 3 bets for top PNP post

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will choose from a shortlist of three police generals to replace Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde, who is set to retire on Nov. 8.

Sen. Christopher Go said the three are Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar and Lt. Gens. Archie Gamboa and Camilo Cascolan.

“Possible choices based on seniority. But it’s the President’s prerogative (to choose anyone he likes),” Go said in a statement yesterday.

The President earlier said the search for the next PNP chief would involve a strict vetting process as well as relevant consultations.

Both Cascolan and Gamboa are classmates of Albayalde in the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986, while Eleazar belongs to Hinirang Class of 1987.

Cascolan and Gamboa had both served in Southern Mindanao during their earlier years in the service.

Eleazar, on the other hand, did not serve in any capacity in Southern Mindanao when Duterte was still mayor of Davao City.

Sources said Manila Police District chief Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. is also reportedly being considered for the top post of the PNP, although he is considerably younger, being part of PMA 1992 class.

The three officials, meanwhile, have received promotions with the retirement of the PNP’s second highest official, Lt. Gen. Fernando Mendez Jr.

Gamboa will replace Mendez, while Cascolan will replace Gamboa as PNP deputy chief for operations. – With Paolo Romero