Abalos asks PNP colonels, generals to resign in 'radical' anti-drug move

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday asked generals and full colonels in the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit their courtesy resignation as part of the government's efforts to rid the police force of officers involved in the illegal drug trade.

At a press conference, Abalos expressed concern over the involvement of some high ranking police officers in the illegal activity.

"Ako ay nananawagan sa lahat ng full colonel hanggang sa general, ako ay umaapela na mag-submit ng courtesy resignation. Alam kong mabibigla kayo pero this is the only way to make a fresh start," he said.

(I am calling on all full colonels up to generals, I am appealing for you to submit a courtesy resignation. I know this will surprise you but this is the only way to make a fresh start.)

According to him, there are more or less 300 full colonels and generals in the police force. He also said his appeal covers PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

"Sana lang they will support this call [I hope they would support this call]," Abalos said.

A five-member committee will review the resignations of the police officers, Abalos said. He refused to identify the members of the committee, but said he is not one of them.

"This is a very radical move, but we have to do this," Abalos said.

'Nothing to worry about'

For Abalos, police officials have nothing to worry about filing a courtesy resignation unless they are involved in illegal drugs. He said those who would refuse to do so are questionable.

"Kung wala kang ginagawang masama, mag-file ka. At kung hindi ka magfa-file medyo kuwestyonable (If you are not doing something illegal, you would file. And if you would not file, that’s quite questionable.)," he said.

Asked why would not the DILG just investigate and file cases against involved PNP personnel instead of asking resignation from all high ranking officers including those who are innocent, Abalos pointed out that it is a shortcut for the long process of the justice system, technicalities, and other factors.

"We've been doing that for so long. We've been doing that at alam mo naman ang tagal ng proseso ng husgado, ang technicality, ang lahat. Hindi lang tayo pati mga first world country, second world country," he said.

"We've been doing that for so long. We've been doing that and you know that the justice system has a long process, technicalities, and all. Not only us, but even in first and second world countries.)

"Kaya ang sinasabi ko nga sa inyo ito ay shortcut dito (That’s why I am telling you this is a shortcut here) if you want it that way. That's why I am appealing," he added.

However, Abalos said authorities would still continue the usual process of going after police officers involved in illegal drugs.

Abalos said the colonels and generals who would file courtesy resignation will continue doing their jobs until President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. accepts their resignation.

“It's just a courtesy resignation, hanggat hindi tinatanggap, nandyan ka, so tuloy-tuloy (as long as it is not accepted, you may stay, so they may continue). Only those who will be accepted by the President,” he said.

Asked if his action has a precedent, Abalos, a former Mandaluyong City mayor, said it was also done in 1992 under then-President Fidel V. Ramos but over a different issue.

“Ginawa na ito noong 1992, if I'm not mistaken by General, President Ramos. Remember noong nagkaroon ng issue tungkol sa I think it was the uniform, pinag-resign nila,” he said.

(It was done in 1992 if I’m not mistaken by General, President Ramos. Remember when there was an issue about I think it was the uniform, he made them resign.) 

PNP to comply

In response, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Redrico Maranan said the police organization will comply with Abalos’ appeal.

“Kami po sa Pambansang Pulisya ay susunod at tatalima kung anuman po ang desisyon ng ating mga political leaders,” Maranan told reporters.

(We, in the PNP, wil follow and comply with whatever decisions of our political leaders.)

“Sapagkat alam po namin na lahat ng mga desisyon na ito ay para sa ikabubuti ng aming organisasyon at ng ating bansa,” he added.

(Because we know that all these decisions are for the good of our organization and our country.) —KBK/RSJ, GMA Integrated News