Who will be Eleazar’s successor? Shortlist ready

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has a shortlist of officials who may succeed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, who will retire from the service next month, an official announced yesterday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said it was saddening that Eleazar is about to hang up his police uniform.

“Well, iyon nga po, nakakalungkot na magre-retire si Gen. Eleazar. Sana panghabambuhay na siyang chief PNP,” Roque said at a press briefing.

“Of course, Malacañang has a shortlist of possible successors, but I cannot reveal those who are on the list,” Roque added.

Eleazar, the 26th chief of the country’s police force, will reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on Nov. 13.

He has rejected calls for him to run for senator in next year’s elections, saying he would finish his term in the police force until his retirement.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, Eleazar was appointed PNP chief last May.

He replaced retired general Debold Sinas, who became controversial for supposedly breaking quarantine rules during his birthday mañanita when he was head of the Metro Manila police.

Sinas has been appointed as undersecretary at the Office of the President.