Duterte: Gamboa now ‘regular’ PNP chief
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 17 Jan 2020 13:15:25 +0000
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has picked Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa as the new head of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In his speech at the thanksgiving gathering with The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Davao City on Friday, Duterte announced Gamboa’s appointment as “regular” PNP chief.
“We have the PNP chief, I’m going to appoint you as the regular PNP [chief] but you and Secretary Año and I will have a long, long talk first,” Duterte said, referring to Gamboa, who was seated in the crowd.
“Pinakita mo sa akin ang (You showed me your) sincerity mo and I’d like you to leave something that you will be remembered by the country,” he added.
Gamboa was appointed officer-in-charge of the PNP on October 14 after Oscar Albayalde stepped down as its chief amid the alleged drug recycling in Pampanga in 2013, and ahead of his retirement on November 8.
Albayalde was the Pampanga police director when the controversial operation was launched and was accused of protecting his subordinates from dismissal from service.
Gamboa, who by hierarchy holds the second highest post in PNP as deputy chief for administration, is a classmate of Albyalde in the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986.
The PNP welcomed Gamboa’s formal appointment.
“Under the able leadership of Lt. Gen Gamboa, we assure the public that the PNP remains committed to intensify the campaign against criminality,” Banac said in a statement late Friday.
Also, under Gamboa, the PNP will continue to focus on illegal drugs and corruption, following the rule of law and with utmost respect for human rights, said Banac.
Gamboa will “vigorously” continue the internal cleansing in the PNP, he said.
“To weed the ranks of rogue cops, all towards winning back the trust and confidence of the people,” Banac said. CATHERINE S. VALENTE, DARWIN PESCO