President Duterte has announced that Metro Manila’s top cop will take over from Ronald dela Rosa as national police chief. Oscar Albayalde was named as the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief today (Thursday, April 5).
Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Malacañang, the president said: “Chief, it’s Albayalde.”
He then described how he had been considering another candidate, until he asked “people from Davao” for their opinion. Quoting their reply, he said: “‘Sir, that one is competent, kind.’ Then for Albayalde, ‘Sir, he’s too strict.’ Then Albayalde is the man for you — the stricter the better.”
Albayalde is currently National Capital Region Police Office regional director. He and current PNP chief Director General dela Rosa trained together at the Philippine Military Academy, graduating in 1986.
Before serving as Metro Manila police chief, Albayalde headed the Pampanga Provincial Police Office.
Dela Rosa’s mandatory retirement had been due at Christmas time, but was extended for three months.
Albayalde will take his oath as PNP chief on April 14, said presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
Dela Rosa will take charge of the Bureau of Corrections after he leaves his current post.
Back in December 2017, Duterte had reportedly been considering the PNP’s number two, Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario for the top job. Like Dela Rosa, he had once served as Davao City police chief.
When Albayalde was told about his promotion, he had only three words to describe how he felt: “Masayang, masayang, masaya.” (So, so, so happy.)
“I am elated the president, no less than the president, gave me his trust and confidence,” he told Rappler in a telephone interview today. “It’s really a big surprise, first because I am not from Davao. I was told I was being considered, but I didn’t have any Davao connection.”
It was also announced today that Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez Jr will be the new head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.