Most of ranking PNP officials linked to illegal drugs submitted resignations —Azurin

Most of the high-ranking Philippine National Police (PNP) officials who are allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade were among those who have submitted their courtesy resignations, PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame, Azurin said many of those who have yet to submit their courtesy resignations are "retirables."

The police earlier said there are around 10 ranking PNP officials involved in the illegal drug trade. Asked if these include those who have yet to file their resignations, Azurin said: "I really don't know kung meron. I think karamihan [sa kanila] nag-submit din."

"So I have to check kasi 'yung counting namin doon, 11 is majority doon, retirable," he added.

(I really don’t know. I think most of the targeted senior officials have also submitted resignations. So I have to check because based on our counting the 11 remaining officials are retirable.)

"I see it more of a success because sabi ko nga, even 'yung mga supposedly tinitignan natin na under investigation, they allowed themselves na mag-submit sila ng courtesy resignations," he added.

(I see it more of a success because even the officials under investigation have allowed themselves to submit courtesy resignations.)

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has appealed to senior PNP officials to submit their courtesy resignations as part of the government's efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

Abalos said this was "the only way to make a fresh start" in the PNP, as he expressed concern over the involvement of some high ranking police officers in the illegal drug trade.

According to Azurin, 941 generals and full colonels have already submitted their courtesy resignations.

A five-man committee, including Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, will screen the resignations. The  National Police Commission will also review the names of police officers whose resignations are accepted.

The concerned officials were given until January 31, Tuesday to submit their resignations. —KBK, GMA Integrated News