5-man committee on PNP resignations to meet next week — Magalong

The five-man committee which will review the courtesy resignations of senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will have a meeting next week, one of its members, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, said Thursday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Magalong was asked when the five-man committee will start its screening on the PNP high-ranking officials.

“Siguro next week kami magco-convene (We will convene maybe next week),” he said.

Aside from Magalong, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday also named PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs’ Undersecretary Isagani Neres, and former Defense chief Gilbert Teodoro Jr. as committee members.

The last member of the five-man committee refused to be named yet, according to Abalos.

On January 4, Abalos 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.

The National Police Commission will also review the names of police officers whose resignations are accepted by the committee.

The concerned officials were given until January 31, Tuesday, to submit their resignations.

Of the 955 generals and full colonels, 12 did not submit their courtesy resignations. According to Abalos,  only one senior officer “technically” did not comply because the other 11 have already retired or are about to retire.

Abalos said authorities will look into the reasons of the said official.

Azurin said the official cited his “personal prerogative” in refusing to file a courtesy resignation. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News