The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has submitted to Malacañang a shortlist of candidates to succeed Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the outgoing chief said Sunday.
Azurin, who is set to retire on Monday, said he was not aware who his possible successors were, adding he was only seeing some names from news reports.
“I think the NAPOLCOM has submitted the shortlist but I’m not aware who are the candidates,” he said.
“While I am excited for what the future holds, I cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the past 34 years I have dedicated to this noble profession,” Azurin told reporters after the Philippine Military Academy honored him with a testimonial parade at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Saturday.
He is a member of the PMA “Makatao” class of 1989.
“Like a roller coaster. Most of the time down, but we were able to recover,” Azurin said of his stint as top cop.
He attributed the PNP’s milestone achievements, particularly in thecontinuing battle against illegal drugs, to the combined efforts of the police force.
PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo earlier said the police force would leave it to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the task to choose its new chief.
A change-of-command and retirement honors ceremony for Azurin is scheduled at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Monday.
The ceremony will conclude Azurin’s nine-month stint as chief of the country’s 220,000-strong police force, which had been marred by controversies including an alleged cover-up of a P6.7-billion drug bust in Manila last October.
Azurin was also quick to defend Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, one of the police officials allegedly involved in the said cover-up.
Speaking at a turnover of the Calabarzon Police Regional Office onSunday, Azurin insisted Domingo, head of the Police Drug Enforcement Group at the time of the bust, had a clean reputation and was honestin all his dealings.
“Unfortunately, some of his personnel thought that it’s still businessas usual. That’s why he requested for that investigation so that he will not be suspected of covering up for his (men),” Azurin said.
Meanwhile, Azurin said he was planning to spend more time with his family after his retirement, even possibly taking them on a vacation.
He also said he was willing to remain a member of the independent five-man panel tasked to screen resigned police officers of any links to the illegal drug trade.
“It will all depend (on) our President. Definitely, if our servicesare being called by no less than our President then we have to acceptthe challenge. We are here to help him in any way we can because, personally, I believe in his leadership,” he said.
Azurin said: “We value the preservation of life. And we do not need to threaten criminals because the guidance of our President is veryclear, to make this country a safe place whether they are inside or outside of their home,” he said.
He will step down amid the investigation into the alleged involvement of some police officials, including generals, in the 990 kilos of shabu seized from the Drug Enforcement Group’s Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayor Jr. during a buy bust in Manila in October last year.
He maintained there was no massive cover-up as alleged by InteriorSecretary Benhur Abalos.
He said they were able to unmask the syndicates in the PNP.
“So, all I wish now for the PNP is to decide if it wants to continue our fight against illegal drugs,” he said.
As chief, he said he took care of the welfare of the PNP members whom he considered as the most valuable.
“When we were still cadets, we were always told that if you take care of your people, then definitely they will take care of you. That’s the legacy that I would leave behind,” he said.
Azurin thanked the PMA administration under Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino for recognizing his service to the country.
He urged the cadets to continue to uphold the PMA values of courage,integrity, and loyalty.
“Get motivated by challenges and be inspired of everyone’sachievements. You are the future of our nation, and I have no doubt that someday you will make us all proud,” he said.
He was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the PNP’s 28th chief in August last year.