MANILA, Philippines (Updated 6:53 p.m.) — It's official: Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has been appointed as the next chief to lead the 200,000-strong Philippine National Police.
This was confirmed by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año in a message to reporters.
"I welcome the appointment of Police Lt Gen Eleazer who is very qualified for the job," Año said, adding that "Eleazar was recommended to be the next Chief PNP based on seniority, merit, service reputation and competence to lead the Police Force" in a resolution by the National Police Commission.
"I expect Police Lt Gen Eleazar to lead the PNP organization to greater heights amidst the pandemic during these challenging times."
Eleazar, previously the PNP's No. 2 man as its deputy chief for administration, belongs to the ruling PMA "Hinirang" Class of 1987.
His aggressive and police-heavy enforcement of coronavirus protocols as former commander of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield gained significant media mileage earlier on in the pandemic.
In a statement, he said he is grateful President Rodrigo Duterte picked him "to be among the instruments of his genuine intention of a having a well-disciplined and professional police force that could always be banked on in enforcing the law and in serving and protecting the Filipino people."
Now the country's top cop, he also formerly served as chief of Metro Manila police, then the PNP chief of directorial staff.
He is set to retire in November of this year once he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
"I believe we have been able to deliver more than what we promised to the President and the public, simply because everyone kept faith with me, from the highest officer in our headquarters to the last beat patroller in the streets," outgoing PNP chief Debold Sinas said in a statement to reporters.
"My journey ends here as the Chief, PNP and I'm truly thankful that we showcase our will to overcome obstacles, our dedication to duty despite the odds, our travails and triumphs."