Former PNP chief Azurin named ICI Special Adviser and Investigator

Retired Philippine National Police chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. has been appointed as the new Special Adviser and Investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

He succeeds Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who resigned after Palace pronouncements undermined his role and mandate.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated that Azurin was chosen based on his experience, merit, and his capacity as an investigator, noting he is not a politician.

Castro also addressed accusations of a 2022 drug haul cover-up against Azurin, saying it's easy to accuse but different if cases were filed and resulted in conviction.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that Azurin's experience will enhance the ICI's mandate to uphold accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

Azurin, a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Makatao" Class of 1989, was the 28th PNP chief, appointed by President Marcos Jr. on August 1, 2022, and retired from the police force on April 24, 2023.

During Azurin's leadership at the PNP, he pushed for internal cleansing and anti-drug operations, though his term also saw leadership tensions within the police force.