Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday (May 5) that President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Eleazar will replace outgoing PNP chief Police Gen. Debold Sinas, who will retire on May 8.
“Gen. Eleazar’s track record of professionalism, dedication, and integrity speaks for itself. We are therefore confident that he will continue the reform initiatives of his predecessors and lead the police organization to greater heights,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año welcomed Eleazar’s appointment, saying he “is very qualified for this very important position in government.”
“Through a NAPOLCOM [National Police Commission] resolution, Eleazar was recommended by me and the Commission to be the next Chief, PNP based on seniority, merit, service reputation, and competence to lead the national police organization,” Año said in a statement.
“He has shown his ability, integrity, and professionalism in the many positions he has occupied in the police organization, especially as the first commander of Joint Task Force COVID-Shield and as Deputy Chief, PNP for Administration,” he added.
Eleazar thanked Año and the President for selecting him “to be among the instruments of his genuine intention of having a well-disciplined and professional police force,” and assured that he is ready to accept the role.
“To be appointed as the Chief PNP is a rare opportunity, but comes with the challenges of good leadership and meeting the high expectations of the Filipino people. I accept these challenges,” he said. – OPS/PNP/DILG/AG-jlo