Who’s qualified to be the next PNP chief? ‘Bato’ answers

MANILA—Who is qualified to be the next chief of the Philippine National Police?

On Saturday, PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa mentioned 5 names who he thinks are qualified to succeed him:

Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario
Police Deputy Director General Archie Gamboa, chief directorial staff
Police Deputy Director General Fernando Mendez, deputy chief for operations
Police Director Camilo Cascolan, chief directorate for operations
Director Oscar Albayalde, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office

Dela Rosa said President Rodrigo Duterte has consulted him on his possible successors.

"Kung sabihin mo personal na mag-endorse ako ng panglaan sa kaniya, wala pa akong maisabi sa kaniya," he said.

Dela Rosa said he was ready to step down after his retirement from service last January.

"I am ready to retire. As I have said, mahirap naman 'yung sinabi ni presidente na, 'Wala pa 'kong makitang ipapalit sa'yo, kung pupuwede extend ka muna,' tapos aayaw ako. Ingrato ako pagdating sa punto na 'yan," he said.

Dela Rosa also belied rumors that his batchmates at the Philippine Military Academy would not allow themselves out of power.

He said he knows many are waiting for his retirement as they aspire to be the next chief of the police force.

"Lahat 'yan gustong umakyat sa taas. Naramdaman ko, hindi naman ako manhid. Diskarte nila 'yan," he said.

Dela Rosa was among the 1,882 alumni who graced the 2018 PMA Alumni Homecoming in Baguio City. He is part of the PMA Sinagtala Class of '86.