EDITORIAL -The next PNP chief

As of this writing the next Philippine National Police chief has yet to be chosen. However, this early it should be said that President Rodrigo Duterte should choose somebody who can give the bruised and badly-beaten image of the PNP a general makeover.

Yes, Ronald Bato dela Rosa was jovial, jolly, and approachable. However, his leadership of the PNP was marred by the alleged murder of thousands, many quickly and conveniently labeled drug suspects, chalked up to the war against drugs. Most of the cases remained unresolved even as he exited the PNP, leaving thousands wanting justice for their slain loved ones.

And Oscar Albayalde? Only a hermit would have not heard about what he is being accused of. He is now being accused of protecting and even being involved with policemen who resell shabu seized during operations, the so-called “ninja cops.” And where did the allegations come from? From no less than a former brother-in-arms.

None of them really left the PNP a shining image of a police force that the country can be proud of in the international stage. The one who will assume as the next PNP chief has lot to do indeed when it comes to restoring the public’s full trust in the police force.

There are already several names being floated to take command of the PNP, currently being led by officer-in-charge, Police Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa.

As there is truth to the adage “there is no pleasing everyone,” it is already likely that whoever President Duterte will choose will earn the ire of some sectors, and they will probably go hunting or digging for a long-buried secret or issue against the new PNP chief.

It’s a tough choice to make and President Duterte knows it. Perhaps one can even speculate that the “unbearable” back pain that caused him to cut short his Japan trip may even be a result of the pressure bearing down on him to make the choice. Or perhaps it is just really his age showing.