‘Ninja cops’ discourage Duterte from naming next PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — His disappointment over the “ninja cops” controversy remains the top reason why President Duterte is still unable to choose the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said yesterday.

It has been more than two months since the post was vacated by Oscar Albayalde, who went on non-duty status ahead of his retirement following allegations that he protected ninja cops when he was still a provincial head. The term refers to police officers who recycle prohibited drugs seized in sting operations.

According to Año, Duterte was disappointed that there are still scalawags within the 205,000-strong PNP despite the programs he has instituted to improve the lives of policemen.

“He has given everything to the PNP, including doubling the salary of police officers and yet there are still policemen doing this,” the department chief said.

Instead of appointing a PNP chief, Duterte tasked Año to temporarily lead the police force.

Año denied that not selecting a police chief is Duterte’s way of punishing the PNP over allegations of corruption among its ranks.

He added that the President is closely watching the performance of the post’s top three contenders – PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and chief of directorial staff Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar.

Gamboa, for his part, does not see any problem with Duterte’s decision to task Año as the PNP caretaker. He revealed that he gained more authority from the National Police Commission, which gave him the power to appoint lieutenant colonels and allowed him to sit as observer during Napolcom deliberations.

He could also order a reshuffle of key personnel subject to the approval of the President and Año.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the Chief Executive has the prerogative to appoint his trusted men in the police portfolio.

“I think the message of the President is very clear, isn’t it? As far as he is concerned, the PNP has a huge problem. So, DILG Secretary Año will be (leading them) for now,” he added.

In a speech during his visit to earthquake-affected evacuees in Cotabato last Monday, Duterte said policemen in the provinces are “OK” and that Manila cops are different, “that’s why I did not appoint a PNP (chief).” – With Christina Mendez