MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Thursday formally assumed office as the new head of the 196,000-strong police force.
Albayalde replaced Director General Ronald dela Rosa during the change of command ceremonies led by President Rodrigo R. Duterte at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.
In his inaugural address, Albayalde, the 22nd PNP chief, thanked Dela Rosa and vowed to continue the latter’s programs particularly on improving discipline and the campaign against illegal drugs.
“We shall impose and breathe discipline 24/7 and implement reforms in all levels in the PNP, we will show respect to both to ourselves and to the public. Because genuine public service I believe is anchored on respect. Self-respect is what guide our morals as individuals and our collaborative action as an organization — we wear our uniforms properly and with pride, we do not sleep while we are on duty, and we do not betray our oath of office by engaging illegal activities,” Albayalde said.
He added that he will require unit commanders to conduct regular surprise inspections in the 2,766 police stations throughout the country.
“If we want to win the trust of the Filipino people who pays our salary –which the President doubled recently — we will serve with all honesty, honor and integrity,” he said.
Albayalde said he would carry on with the programs of the previous leadership particularly the Oplan Double Barrel, adding that “continuity is important to maintain the momentum” but said he would introduce reforms to those programs that need to be more responsive to our existing situation.
“We will strengthen the oversight committee which will regularly evaluate the performance of all commanders on the ground,” the new PNP chief added. (PNA)
