BEYOND THE BADGE: THE STORY OF FORMER PNP CHIEF, OSCAR D. ALBAYALDE

On November 8, 1963, in San Fernando, Pampanga, Oscar David Albayalde was born to Fidel S. Albayalde, a retired Master Sergeant of the Philippine Air Force, and Consolacion David. Growing up in a military household instilled in him discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. His childhood, though simple, was marked by values of hard work and service to others. Friends and family fondly called him "Odie" or "Oca".

As a young boy, Albayalde lived in an environment where order and respect were part of daily life. His father's military background greatly influenced his path. Later, he married Cherrylyn Albayalde, with whom he built a family of four children. Despite the demands of police service, he remained a devoted husband and father, ensuring that his family was his foundation of strength.

He studied initially at the University of the Assumption in Pampanga before pursuing his father's dream for him, to enter the Philippine Military Academy. In 1986, he graduated cum laude as part of the Sinagtala Class of 1986, consistently landing on the Dean's and Superintendent's Lists. Among his classmates was Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who would later become PNP Chief and senator. To broaden his expertise, Albayalde pursued a Master's in Public Administration at Manuel L. Quezon University in 1996.

Outside of his uniform, Albayalde lived with a love for adventure. He enjoyed skydiving, scuba diving, and motorcycle riding, activities that reflected his fearless and disciplined nature.

His early career began with the elite Special Action Force (SAF), where he proved his courage in critical missions. Rising through the ranks, he later became the Regional Director of NCRPO in 2016, where his strong disciplinary measures earned him a reputation as a no-nonsense leader. He personally conducted surprise inspections, leading to the dismissal of police officers caught sleeping or drinking while on duty.

In 2018, he was appointed as the Chief of the Philippine National Police by President Rodrigo Duterte. His leadership oversaw preparations for the 2019 elections, management of high-profile crimes, and strengthening of security forces. His accomplishments were recognized through awards such as the Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander), Gawad Mabini,, People Power II Unit Citation, and several medals for gallantry, service, and loyalty.

Despite his achievements, Albayalde faced controversies. In 2019, his name was linked to the "ninja cops" issue involving Pampanga police officers. Though he denied benefiting from the illegal drug trade, the accusations cast a shadow on his career. In an effort to protect the institution he loved, he resigned from his position on October 14, 2019, weeks before his mandatory retirement at age 56. This made him the first PNP Chief to go on "non-duty status."

Albayalde is often described as a "dark horse" in Philippine policing, an outsider who rose through determination and strict leadership. His story reflects resilience, discipline, and the burden of leadership. As one observer said: "You can't keep a good man down. Albayalde may have stepped aside, but his years of service remain a testimony of discipline in uniform."

After retirement, he continued engaging in community activities in Pampanga, sharing his experience with young leaders and supporting programs on public safety and discipline.