May 9, 2023
Upon the recommendation of the five-man advisory group tasked to evaluate the courtesy resignations submitted by generals and colonels of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) headed by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. has accepted the resignations of and filing of charges against two generals and two colonels over alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
In a press conference, Abalos said that the NAPOLCOM will handle the administrative cases of the four police officers.
He said then PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. has filed a complaint affidavit with the NAPOLCOM last April 24 against two generals for grave misconduct and grave neglect of duty, among others.
The penalties for these offenses are dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and perpetual disqualification from any public office. Last Friday, the President announced that he would accept the courtesy resignations of the two generals.
As for the two colonels, the NAPOLCOM has issued a resolution to proceed with the pre-charge investigation against them. The probe is expected to last within 2-3 weeks.
Abalos said the Napolcom will recommend to the President the acceptance of the two colonels’ courtesy resignations as well, without prejudice to their administrative liabilities.
“For clarity, acceptance of resignation is without prejudice to any administrative cases against these officers, and will not release them from any liability,” Abalos said.
“We will disclose their names once cases have been filed,” the DILG Secretary added.
Criminal charges will also be filed against the four officials which will be handled by Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO).
Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Alberto Bernardo says the four senior police officials were previous members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) and are currently not holding any positions in the PNP.
Also included in the recommendations of the advisory group are the: non-acceptance of the resignations of 917 officers, which according to Abalos, are all categorically cleared of any involvement on illegal drug activities, and further investigation of 32 other officers.
“Rest assured that the NAPOLCOM will carry out its sworn duty to supervise and strengthen our police force,” Abalos assured.
“Once matapos namin ito, there will be a renewed vigor and spirit especially in the police ranks. Sisiguraduhin namin, with this board, hindi na mauulit ang ganito,” Abalos said referring to the irregularities arising from the 990 kilograms of shabu raid incident in October last year.
Meanwhile, newly appointedd PNP Chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said that the police will submit to whatever the results of the investigation.
“It is all part of a bitter truth but it’s all part of internal cleansing. I do believe that after all these, we will come up with a better, aggressive, and honest police force,” Acorda said.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/NAPOLCOM-accepts-resignation-of-four-ex-PDEG-officials-administrative-charges-to-be-filed/NC-2023-1075