Palace denies forcing Albayalde to resign

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo on Monday has denied the involvement of the Malacañang on the resignation of Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde, saying it was the latter’s personal decision.

In an interview over CNN Philippines, Panelo did not discount the possibility that the embattled PNP Chief might have been forced to relinquish his post as he already had enough of the accusations hurled against him.

Albayalde, who is set to retire from the police service at the age of 56 on 8 November has been accused of benefitting, although small, from the anomalous drug operations conducted by his former subordinates in Mexico, Pampanga in 2013.

“Well, that’s his call. I can only speculate that perhaps he had enough of the innuendo and the accusation he feels were false and unfair. He said that his family was suffering, so he made that call,” he said.

The presidential spokesperson stressed that the Palace never pressured Albayalde to quit his post and added that the he has no idea on the reaction of the President as he is yet to talk to him about the issue.

As for the possible charges against the PNP Chief, Panelo said that it will depend on the Senate investigation.

“If they find probable cause or any commission of any transgression of a law – then it will recommend filing; otherwise, there is none,” he said.

Lt. Gen Archie Gamboa will take over the PNP as officer-in-charge until Duterte appoints a new police chief.