PNP to check for ‘erring’ cops among courtesy resignations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it has yet to determine if there are any suspected erring police officials among the 500 who have submitted courtesy resignations.

In Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said they are still sorting out the records with the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM).

“So far, sino-sort out pa natin ng DPRM, sila 'yung binabagsakan ng courtesy resignations. We would know itong first deadline kung may nag-submit sa tinitignan natin,” said Azurin.

(So far, we’re still sorting things out with the DPRM because the courtesy resignations are being forwarded to them. We would know by the first deadline if any one of those we are targeting submitted their courtesy resignation.)

Last week, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos appealed to all PNP full colonels and generals to submit courtesy resignations as part of the government's efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

A five-member committee that includes Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a retired police general, will review the resignation letters.

Some do not believe this is the right move in cleansing the PNP ranks, according to the report.

The Victims Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) said the PNP leadership should investigate and file appropriate charges against relevant individuals, adding the courtesy resignation is causing “demoralization” among the high-ranking officials.

“‘Pag nag ho-house cleaning ka you want to eradicate less than ten officers, bakit kailangang sunugin mo yung buong bahay?…Stronger messaging, certainty of arrest and certainty of dismissal,” said VACC president Arsenio Evangelista.

(Why do you have to burn the whole house if you want to eradicate less than ten officers? They should impose stronger messaging, certainty of arrest and certainty of dismissal.)

Anti-crime crusader Teresita Ang-See echoed their remarks but clarified she remains supportive of Azurin.

GMA Integrated News reached out to the PNP and DILG for their comments but have yet to respond as of press time. — Sundy Locus/BM, GMA Integrated News