PNP to comply with Abalos' appeal for resignation of colonels, generals —official

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it would comply with the appeal of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos for full colonels and generals to submit a courtesy resignation.

"Kami po sa Pambansang Pulisya ay susunod at tatalima kung anuman po ang desisyon ng ating mga political leaders," PNP Public Information Office chief Police Colonel Redrico Maranan told reporters when asked about the PNP's response to Abalos' appeal.

(We in the PNP will follow and comply with whatever our political leaders will decide upon.)

“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.)

At a press briefing earlier in the day, Abalos asked generals and full colonels of the 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.

"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.)

A five-member committee will review the resignations of the police officers, Abalos said.

According to Abalos, there are more or less 300 full colonels and generals in the police force including  PNP chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News