RILLO:  Sir, what is your reaction to General Albayalde’s decision to step down?

SEC. PANELO:  Well, that’s his call. I can only speculate that perhaps he had enough of the innuendo and the accusation he feels were false and unfair. He said that his family was suffering, so he made that call.

RILLO:  Sir, would you what the President’s reaction was when he was informed of Albayalde’s decision to step down?

SEC. PANELO:  I do not know, I have not talked with the President relative to that.

RILLO:  All right, sir and do you have any idea as when the President might announce the new PNP Chief?

SEC. PANELO:  That I do not know too; I have to ask him, when I see him today.

RILLO:  All right, so you will be seeing the President later on today?

SEC. PANELO:  Hopefully.

RILLO:  Sir, are you able to comment on whether any charges will be filed against General Oscar Albayalde?

SEC. PANELO:  Well, I think that depends on the Senate investigation – if they find probable cause or any commission of any transgression of a law – then it will recommend filing; otherwise, there is none.

RILLO:  Regarding Albayalde’s decision to step down, was there any pressure from the Palace for him to do so?

SEC. PANELO:  None that I know of.

RILLO:  Okay, so as people have been saying, this appears to be a personal decision on the part of General Oscar Albayalde.

SEC. PANELO:  I think so, too.

RILLO:  All right, sir. Thank you so much for your time. We do appreciate it this morning.

SEC. PANELO:  Thank you.

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SOURCE: PCOO – NIB (News and Information Bureau)