Duterte said he is taking his time in naming the country’s next top cop as the candidates are all good. #PNPchief

It's been almost two months since the 190,000-strong police force was left at the hands of officer-in-charge PLt. Gen. Archie Gamboa. (PCOO)

The Philippine National Police on Friday took as good news President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks that he is mulling taking over as PNP chief should he decide not to appoint anyone of the contenders for the post.

“That is good news. The President is our Commander-in-Chief where we get our guidance and instructions when it comes to fighting illegal drugs and criminality,” PNP spokesman PBGen. Bernard Banac said in an interview.

“Of course, we are excited because as our Commander-in-Chief, we will be alongside him everyday in carrying out our duty,” he added.

It’s been almost two months since the 190,000-strong police force was left at the hands of officer-in-charge PLt. Gen. Archie Gamboa after the disgraced Gen. Oscar Albayalde was forced to relinquish his post earlier than expected for being embroiled in the “ninja cops” controversy.

Earlier, Duterte said he is taking his time in naming the country’s next top cop as the candidates recommended by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) — Gamboa, PLt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, and PMaj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar — “are all good”.

The President likewise said he is looking for an “honest man” to lead the PNP as “there are so many things that the police has to improve on.”

He also urged the police to give him a hint on “who’s the best to handle the command.”

“The power to name the PNP chief lies with the President. Let’s just wait until he announces his decision,” Banac concluded.