PNP General Headquarters, Camp BGen. Rafael Crame, Quezon City
April 19, 2018

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte appointed Police Director Oscar Albayalde as the 22nd Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief to replace outgoing Police Director General Ronald M. Dela Rosa in a Change of Command Ceremony at the Camp BGen. Rafael Crame in Quezon City.

In his speech during the retirement ceremony for Police Director General Dela Rosa, President Duterte hailed the outgoing PNP Chief for his exemplary leadership that steered the police force of the country to great heights.

“During his tenure as Chief PNP, he oversaw an impressive 22 percent decrease in the total crime volume nationwide and a 10 percent improvement in the crime solution efficiency rate compared to the preceding [21]-month period,” he said.

President Duterte also cited the PNP’s notable contribution to the anti-illegal drugs operation which led to the arrest of more than 130,000 suspects, the voluntary surrender of more than 1.2 million drug personalities, and the confiscation of PhP23 billion worth of illegal drugs.

“I also note General Dela Rosa’s crusade [of] cleaning the ranks of the PNP from within. Through his internal cleansing efforts, we’re able to weed out scalawags who have been hampered — who have long hampered the efficiency of our police force,” he stressed.

Moreover, the Commander in Chief took time to laud the gallantry of the Special Action Force (SAF) troopers for taking part in the military offensives in Marawi City last year. He also vowed to pledge government support to the country’s uniformed personnel by enhancing their capabilities, modernizing their equipment, bolstering their welfare, and gatekeeping their families.

Likewise, President Duterte reiterated his stance against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the county.

“I said, I will put a stake — my life, honor, and the presidency itself. This fight of destroying drugs and the organized crime will continue until my last day in office,” he said.

Meanwhile, incoming PNP Chief Police Director Albayalde committed that under his watch, the agency shall work side by side with the President to fulfill his promise of genuine change for the Filipino people, and for a more disciplined and better police force.

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