Ex-PNP chief Cascolan, 59

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Camilo Pancratius Cascolan died on Friday. He was 59.

Cascolan was surrounded by members of his family when he died at around 5:28 p.m., his son, Jiro, said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“My dad dedicated his life to serving and protecting our country as a man of service for 42 years. We will forever remember his unwavering dedication to his duty, his selflessness and his love for his family,” he said.

“His loss leaves a void that can never be filled, but we find solace in knowing that his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched,” Jiro’s statement read.

Jiro did not disclose Cascolan’s cause of death.

Cascolan’s son said they would soon announce the details of his wake and funeral.

In expressing its condolences to his bereaved family, the PNP said Cascolan’s dedication to upholding the principles of service, integrity and professionalism set a high standard for all police officers.

“In his tenure, he navigated the complexities of law enforcement with a steadfast commitment to public safety, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues,” the PNP said in a statement.

The PNP called on its members to honor Cascolan by continuing to uphold the values he championed when he was in service.

“As we bid farewell to this distinguished leader, we must not only mourn his passing but also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind,” it said.

In October 2022, President Marcos appointed Cascolan as an undersecretary at the Department of Health (DOH).

He was also an undersecretary at the Office of the President during the administration of former president Rodrigo Durterte.

Cascolan was Duterte’s fourth PNP chief, serving for over two months from Sept. 2, 2020 to Nov. 10, 2020.

As director of the PNP’s Directorate for Operations, Cascolan co-authored Oplan Double Barrel, the PNP’s flagship program during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

At least 6,200 drug suspects were killed in alleged shootouts with lawmen in Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.

The Baguio-born Cascolan is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s Sinagtala Class of 1986 along with former PNP chiefs Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde and Archie Francisco Gamboa.

Cascolan held various posts in the PNP in his career. He headed the Civil Security Group and the National Capital Region Police Office.

The DOH said that during Cascolan’s term as undersecretary for field implementation and coordination for the Visayas, he helped ensure that universal health care strategies and interventions were implemented in the region.

As PNP chief, the DOH said Cascolan conceptualized the COVID-19 Task Force Shield, established an RT-PCR testing center in Camp Crame and a PNP medical reserve force whose members helped at various swabbing centers.