By Fernan Angeles
POLICE Lieutenant General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan is officially the country’s top cop as he formally takes over the top post of the 205,000-strong Philippine National Police.
Cascolan, thus, becomes the 24th PNP director general as he replaced retired Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in a change of command ceremony held at Camp Crame.
In his speech, Cascolan said to lead the police organization is a big challenge, especially that he was given the mandate at a “most crucial time” due to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I will lead this organization along the footsteps of my predecessors and along the shadows of their leadership and building on what they have started,” Cascolan said.
“I will lead the PNP along with the vision of a highly-capable, effective, and credible PNP that provides better and more reliable, more efficient and more effective police services,” Cascolan added.
The new PNP chief also vowed to work hard to restore the public’s trust and respect for the police organization. He admitted that the PNP is “plagued with issues,” which often undermines its efforts.
“I will endeavor to lead our Team PNP that promotes the aspirations of every Filipino for a nation that is peaceful, secure, free of illegal-drugs and corruption, and progressive because it has a police service that is highly-capable, effective, and credible,” Cascolan said.
He is also the fourth PNP chief under the Duterte administration, the others being Gamboa, now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde. All four belong to the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986.
However, Cascolan would only be the PNP top gun for a while as he is set to retire in November, unless President Rodrigo Duterte decides to extend his term.