Albayalde resigns as PNP chief

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde has formally announced his resignation from his position effective Monday, October 14.

The embattled PNP chief opted to go on a non-duty status or terminal leave after being dragged to the controversial ‘ninja-cops’ issue.

A police personnel on non-duty status means he or she is still a member of the police organization but will no longer work and will just wait for retirement. Any police officer can opt for non-duty status as early as three months before his mandatory retirement age of 56. The non-duty status is an option to allow the police officer to prepare documents for his retirement.

He was the NCRPO chief in Pampanga when 13 of his men were linked in an anti-illegal drug operation in November 13. Former CIDG chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong revealed that 200 kilos of shabu or P648 million were seized in the said raid but Pampanga Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations Task Group (PAIDSOTG) only declared 30 kilos.

Magalong said that former PNP Chief Alan Purisima ordered to investigate the said raid conducted in a subdivision in Mexico, Pampanga.

Based on authorities submitted report, they have seized only 38 kilos of illegal drugs.

After a month, authorities conducted the said raid started to own brand new cars.

He also confirmed that based on testimonies from several eyewitnesses and crime scene re-enactment on Woodbridge Subdivision, police officials confiscated around 200 kilogram of narcotic drugs.

Aside from million worth of illegal drugs, they also seized a box full cash in the crime scene.

The officials also arrested drug suspect Johnson Lee. He was allegedly set free after posting bail of ₱50 million, and another Chinese was presented, identified as Ding Wengkun.

“Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to talk to the SILG Sec Eduardo Año, about the events that have transpired in recent days, particularly the Senate investigation on the alleged “agaw–bato” issue in which I am being implicated,” Albayalde said in his speech during his last flag ceremony at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Albayalde is set to retire on November 8 at the age of 56. He also said he already submitted his letter to DILG Sec. Eduardo Año.

Deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa will temporarily replace Albayalde in an acting capacity until President Rodrigo Duterte assigns a new PNP chief.

“I thank President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for his trust and confidence and for giving me the opportunity to lead the Philippine National Police and serve the Filipino people in my one year and six months as Chief, PNP. I have served my country well,” Albayalde noted.

“After careful thought and deliberation, I have come to the decision to relinquish my post as Chief, PNP effective today and go on non-duty status. I have submitted my letter of intent to Secretary Ano which he accepted and favorably endorsed to the President,” he added.

(With reports from Bombo Analy Soberano)