Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday he has forwarded to President Duterte the names of two nominees for the next Philippine National Police (PNP) chief vice Gen. Dionardo Carlos who is due to retire on May 8.
“I have already submitted my recommendation to the President alongside with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) Resolution 2022-0236. I have submitted the names of two senior police officials who may be designated by the President as the replacement of Gen. Dionardo Carlos in an acting capacity upon his retirement on May 8, 2022,” Año said.
Ano did not rule out the possibility of Carlos’ extension of tenure, but added it depends on the President’s decision. .
Meanwhile, Carlos said the PNP has made preparations to ensure honest, orderly and peaceful elections.
He said he has complied with the directive of higher authorities to “make the necessary contingency plans after the May 9, onwards (and) a good transition to the next leadership of this country.”
“We made sure that the PNP will perform professionally for a peaceful election which means people will be able to come out to vote, their votes not bought, without any fear and on their free will,” Carlos said. “We’re just looking at what’s happening on a day-to-day, tweaking the plans if needed.”
Among Carlos’s likely successors are Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, PNP deputy chief for administration; and Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, chief of the PNP Directorial Staff.
The PNP’s No. 3 man, deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Divina, is also due to retire on May 2.