General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, the outgoing Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged on Monday all police personnel to support his successor Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas amid the intense criticisms that his appointment received especially in social media.
In a statement, Cascolan said Sinas needs all the support of the officers and rank-and-file of the PNP in order for him to effectively discharge his duties and functions as Chief of the 218,000-strong PNP.
“General Sinas needs all the support and strong commitment of the PNP Officer Corps and rank-and-file for him to effectively discharge his duties and functions as Chief PNP, “ said Cascolan.
“In a dynamic organization like the PNP, only the players are changed, but the strategic vision remains constant and endures until the endgame in year 2030 when we shall have completed our journey to complete organizational development and service excellence,” he added.
A few minutes after his appointment was announced, social media erupted with memes and harsh criticisms on Sinas, mostly highlighting how he violated the quarantine rules during a birthday party in May inside a police camp.
But President Duterte defended Sinas and said that it’s his decision to keep him.
Cascolan, who was hoping that his tour of duty as Chief PNP would be extended, said he expects Sinas to bring with him a sterling track record in administrative management with vast experience in police operations.
He also expressed confidence in Sinas’ command management of the PNP to sustain the momentum of the four-pronged national campaign against crime, illegal drugs, terrorism and corruption.
Sinas will take over the helm of the PNP in a turnover of command on Tuesday which is also the retirement date of Cascolan.