DILG to PNP officials: Tender courtesy resignations

While he did not divulge the identities of the committee members, Abalos vouched for their integrity

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. on Wednesday has appealed to ranking officials of the Philippine National Police — particularly colonels and generals — to submit their courtesy resignation in a bid to cleanse the institution of those linked to illegal drugs.

Abalos disclosed that the move was recommended by Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. after Senator Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa confirmed the presence of “ninja cops” in the police force.

“After several months of study, it appears we have a big problem in the police force that there are still generals and colonels linked to drugs. All full colonels to generals,” Abalos said.

“We are appealing, the word is appeal. I am appealing for them to submit a courtesy resignation. We got a list and for us this is upon the recommendation of our chief PNP and other hierarchy of the PNP. This is the only way to cleanse the ranks fast,” he added.

While the DILG secretary did not mention any deadline for the courtesy resignations, he stressed that a five-member committee will carefully look into the records of the ranking PNP officials and come up with a recommendation to clear them or dismiss them from the service.

Abalos also vouched for the integrity of the identities of the committee members.

The DILG chief also clarified that the courtesy resignation is an appeal devoid of any directive which is similar to what was done during the time of former President Fidel V. Ramos under different circumstances.

“It’s a very radical approach but I know we will succeed. I repeat to our colleagues, don’t worry. For the meantime, the service will continue and don’t worry, if they are clean there is no problem,” Abalos said.

“What we swore to our law when we took our oath of office as public officials in accordance with the Constitution. Remember this is to serve the nation,” he added.

While admitting that the measure is a shortcut to the usual process, Abalos explained that resorting to legal remedies would entail a longer time frame even if the culprits are already pinpointed.

Meantime, PNP public information office chief Col. Redrico Maranan said they are supportive of the DILG chief’s move.

“We in the national police will follow and comply with whatever decision of our political leaders. We know that their decision will be beneficial for the organization and the country,” Maranan said.

The recent DILG move may have been spurred by the arrest of Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr. — a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group’s Special Operations Unit in the National Capital Region — in October last year during sting operations in Quiapo, Manila.