EDITORIAL - Right decision

Beleaguered Philippine National Police chief General Oscar Albayalde relinquished his post yesterday amid the controversy on the allegations he protected policemen involved in the recycling of confiscated illegal drugs.

Albayalde is set to retire on November 8, the date he turns 56. But, as Senate is investigating his alleged link to “ninja cops,” he opted to go on a “non-duty status,” which means he still part of the police organization but will no longer have to work and just wait for his retirement.

 “After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as chief PNP effective today and go on a non-duty status,” Albayalde was quoted by Philstar.com as announcing during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Crame yesterday morning.

The 22nd national police chief said his decision to vacate his position has been accepted by Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, who already forwarded his letter to President Rodrigo Duterte.

“My last command as your chief PNP is for you to carry on in the service of our fellow Filipinos so that all of us may live and work in peace. Do not let this challenge demoralize or stray you from your path,” Albayalde told his personnel.

As Año has already accepted Albayalde’s decision, Duterte is also expected to accept the PNP head’s move to vacate his position, otherwise a backlash would be expected if the president rules that he should stay.

Duterte should have no choice than to let Albayalde go considering the serious accusations the latter is facing. What makes many from the public believe the allegations is the fact that Albayalde’s accusers come from within the organization.

Yes Albayalde has made the right decision. His move would not only give him the needed time to air his side on the accusations. It importantly protects and saves the very organization he serves for decades from further harm.