PNoy: Some candidates for next PNP chief already being maligned

President Benigno Aquino III has revealed that some candidates for the next Philippine National Police (PNP) are already being maligned by fellow police officers even before being picked for the post.

 

“Ang problema, kadalasan mainit sa PNP. Kapag merong natutunugan na papalit, pinapadalhan ng kung anu-anong panira sa isa’t isa,” Aquino said in an interview with Bombo Radyo on Wednesday.

 

The President, however, said that he is not just brushing aside any complaint he has received about those being considered for the PNP’s leadership.

 

“To give a fair chance to everybody, gusto ko namang manigurado na ‘yung i-a-appoint natin ay ‘yung malaman biktima lang ba ng tsismis o talagang may base itong mga reklamong ito,” he said.

 

For the past three months, President Aquino has been searching a replacement for former PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, who resigned last February at the height of controversies surrounding the deadly January 25 Mamasapano operation.

 

Purisima played an active role in the planning and monitoring of the botched operation, which left 44 police commandos and over 20 others killed, despite his suspension over graft charges.

Installed as officer-in-charge is Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who is due to retire this July.

 

Aquino further said he is taking his time to screen candidates for PNP chief, with the 2016 polls just around the corner.

 

“Hindi biro ‘yung puwestong ‘yan, lalo na dahil may eleksyon tayo next year na napakaimportante ‘nung chief PNP na mapangalagaan ‘yung katahimikan sa buong bansa. So mabuti nang sigurado kaysa magsisi,” the President said. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News