Despite his earlier resignation as officer-in-charge of Philippine National Police (PNP), Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina will continue to serve his duty as officer-in-charge of the 150,000-strong Philippine National Police.
Espina respects the decision of President Benigno Aquino III to choose a permanent leader of the PNP.
“The PNP leadership is grateful to President Benigno S Aquino III for his responsiveness to the pressing desire of the police Officer Corps to have a full-time leader who will assume command of the PNP,” Espina said in his statement.
“I didn’t want to get in the way of the President Aquino’s free hand in appointing a new Chief PNP, thus, I earlier signified my intention to be relieved as Officer-in-Charge of the PNP. I am, therefore, humbled at the continued expression of trust and confidence by President Benigno S Aquino III in reaffirming my designation as PNP Officer-in-Charge,” he noted.
Espina is still grateful to the National Police Commission Chaired by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas for granting him expanded authority to exercise the position of OIC,PNP.
“For my part, I offer President Aquino and the national leadership my sincerest personal pledge of professional commitment to the mission of the PNP to serve and protect the people,” said Espina.
The OIC-PNP still urge the police force to support the new PNP Chief that will be assigned by the President and he will continue his duty as OIC.
Manila Bulletin
