January 10, 2023
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. today said 60 percent or more than 500 PNP full colonels and generals submitted courtesy resignations less than a week after his call as part of the police organization’s internal cleansing program.
“Right now, I would like to thank those who have already given their resignations. We’re nearing 60 percent. Marami po kaming narereceive 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,” Abalos said during his interview in CNN Philippine’s The Source.
“Tumayo tayo. Tindigan natin ito as a group. At huwag tayo matakot. Once we go through this, I tell you yung faith of the public in all of us [tataas], sabay-sabay nating titindigan ito. Ang ganda and this will give a strong message to these drug lord operatives that we are really against them. It’s a whole-of-nation approach,” he added.
Abalos said the confidence of PNP officials reflected by the more than 500 of approximately 947 high-ranking police officials who have heeded his appeal for their courtesy resignation is a welcome development and an assurance that the police organization is united under this radical call. He said he is expecting more of them to comply this week until the end of the month.
“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 said.
In a recent statement, he expressed his appreciation to PNP official headed by PNP Chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. for their commitment to the vision of ridding the police organization of scalawag cops by submitting their courtesy resignation.
Abalos clarified though that the resignation would not affect the delivery of services of the PNP unless President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. accepts it, “Hanggang hindi tinatanggap ang resignation mo, tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang serbisyo. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin po. Huwag silang mag-iisip na there would be disruption of services etc. No, hindi po ganon yun. Wala pong leadership vacuum at all.”
He, however, said accepted resignations would mean early retirement for those who were found connected with illegal drugs and cases will be pursued if there is enough evidence against them.
“Kasi for me, as far as I am concerned, it is better that one single guilty person be left off the hook than one innocent be held as guilty,” Abalos said.
He guaranteed that the probe on policemen involved in illegal drugs will be independent and impartial as it would go through two rounds of review, one by the five-man advisory group led by retired police general and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong before it would be given as a recommendation the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). He added that they aim to finish the investigation within three months.
“We make sure that those whom we have chosen for this would be with impeccable credibility, integrity and record like Benjie Magalong, who was the one who investigated the SAF44 incident,” he said.
He said NAPOLCOM will also play a key role as it will review the recommendation of the advisory body to ensure that no innocent person will be condemned.
Meanwhile, Abalos expressed his appreciation to legislators who lauded the bold move to get rid of erring cops engaged in illegal drugs which could be a chance to start a “clean slate” as the Marcos administration continues with the anti-illegal drugs campaign.
He said words of encouragement coming from fellow government officials are highly appreciated.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-More-than-60-of-PNP-high-ranking-officials-file-courtesy-resignation/NC-2023-1003