PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, said he has no idea who would take his place when he retires.
Gamboa is set to retire Wednesday, September 2, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.
“I don’t have any idea. Let’s just wait for the President. I think when I texted SILG last night they will talk it out with the President today on who will be the next chief PNP,” Gamboa said.
SILG refers to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año.
Gamboa said he has texted his recommendation to Año.
If the President does not name his successor by Wednesday, Gamboa said the rule of succession will apply and the next highest ranking police official will sit as an officer-in-charge.
Next to Gamboa is PNP Deputy Chief for administration Camilo Cascolan, who is also set to retire in November.
On the possibility that his service would be extended, Gamboa said, “No comment. Basta Im packed. I’m ready to go.”
He said he has issued a directive prohibiting his men from celebrating his retirement.
The PNP, however, will render formal retirement honors for Gamboa on Wednesday in Camp Crame.
“Walang celebration. Walang mañanita. I issued a directive na walang mag-attempt mañanita,” said Gamboa.
“My wish as I have always campaigned for a better PNP and for a better and much needed support from the community sana mabigay,” he added.
Gamboa was appointed as PNP chief in January 2020, two months after he served as officer-in-charge following the resignation of Police General Oscar Albayalde in October 2019 amid the ninja cops controversy.
Gamboa’s biggest challenge as PNP chief is the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
“Yes, actually lahat naman ng chief PNP I think they had their own challenges but of course this is unique not only for the PNP but for the entire government and even our entire people. So really I would thank God I was able to pull through with these all kinds of challenges that I have encountered during my incumbency and thank God for that,” he said.
He also figured in a near death experience due to a helicopter crash in Laguna in March.
Two of his classmates, Major General Jose Maria Victor Ramos, the former director for comptrollership, and Major General Mariel Magaway, who then headed the Directorate for Intelligence, were severely injured. (SunStar Philippines)