The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde is vindicated from administrative charges, following the failure by the DILG and National Police Commission to find sufficient evidence that would indict the ex-cop on the controversial 2013 Pampanga drug operation. DILG Secretary Eduardo Año added that if Albayalde will be made responsible, it will be on the ground of command responsibility. Moreover, the possibility of criminal liability still exists, which will be looked upon by the Department of Justice and Office of the Ombudsman. On the 13 alleged “ninja cops,” administrative cases will be filed against them.
On the appointment of new PNP director general, the DILG has submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte a shortlist bearing the names of PNP Officer-in-Charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa, Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Camilo Cascolan, and Directorial Staff Chief Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar.
