Eleazar is next PNP chief

MANILA, Philippines — Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar is the next chief of the 200,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año announced yesterday.

Año told reporters that President Duterte approved the appointment of Eleazar as successor of Gen. Debold Sinas, who is set to retire on May 8 as he reaches the mandatory retirement age.

The change of command ceremony is scheduled on Friday, May 7, in which Eleazar will enumerate his programs for the police force.

Last week, Año said he submitted a “one-man list” to the President, explaining that only one name was recommended for the post following a resolution by the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

“I welcome the appointment of PLt Gen Eleazar who is very qualified for the job. Through a Napolcom resolution, Eleazar was recommended to be the next Chief PNP based on seniority, merit, service reputation and competence to lead the police force,” Año said in a statement.

“I expect PLt Gen Eleazar to lead the PNP organization to greater heights amidst the pandemic during these challenging times,” he added.

Eleazar thanked the President for choosing him to be among the instruments of his genuine intention of having a well-disciplined and professional police force.

“I am thankful for the President and I promise not to let him down,” Eleazar told The STAR in a text message.

He will serve as chief of the PNP for six months as he is set to retire from the service on Nov. 13 when he reaches the mandatory age of retirement.

In a message to Camp Crame reporters, he said that he would work for a PNP that could always be counted on in enforcing the law and in serving and protecting the people.

Eleazar is the second-highest ranking official in the PNP, holding the position of deputy chief of administration. He is also noted for spearheading the implementation of COVID-19 quarantine protocols as commander of Joint Task Force COVID Shield.

A member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1987, he rose through the ranks and held almost all the senior positions in the PNP, including the top posts in the National Capital Regional Police Office, the PNP directorial staff and PNP operations.

Eleazar is the sixth PNP chief appointed by Duterte. His predecessors are Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, Archie Francisco Gamboa, Undersecretary Camilo Pancratius Cascolan and Sinas. – Christina Mendez