At least 60% or more than 500 high-ranking police officials have submitted their courtesy resignations as part of the internal cleansing in the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Monday.
“Right now, I would like to thank those who have already given their resignations. We’re nearing 60 percent,” Abalos said in an interview on CNN Philippines.
“Marami po kaming nare-receive na magagandang comments dito talagang yung mga support from the regional commanders, different services na lalabas at lalabas din ito. I would like to thank you, lahat po ng taong sumasama sa panawagang ito,” he added.
Last week, the Interior Secretary appealed to all PNP full colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignation as part of the government’s efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.
A five-member committee, which will include retired police general and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, will review the resignations of the police officers.
Abalos expects more PNP officials to heed his appeal in the coming days as he described the turnout of those who submitted their resignations as a “welcome development and an assurance that the police organization is united under this radical call.”
“There is no demoralization within the ranks of the PNP. In fact, they welcome this development because they, too, would like the police organization to be rid of misfits and scalawags,” he added.
Earlier, PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. reported close to 600 ranking police officers have filed their courtesy resignations as of January 8. He said he is expecting to receive around 456 more resignations, for a total of 956 officials resigning.
Abalos, for his part, clarified there would be no disruption in the services of PNP as their resignation would not take effect until President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. accepts it.
Officials proven to have links to the illicit drug trade will be subject to early retirement. Cases will be filed against them should there be enough evidence, he added. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
