95% of PNP generals, full colonels submitted courtesy resignations — Abalos

Around 95% of the 954 generals and full colonels of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have filed their courtesy resignations, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Friday.

“So it's 904 out of the 954, so 50 na lang (so only 50 have yet to submit theirs),” Abalos said in a press conference.

He thanked the police officials for following his appeal for their courtesy resignations so a five-man committee can screen them and get rid of those involved in illegal drugs.

“Ako'y nagpapasalamat sa tiwalang binigay nila (I am thanking them for their trust) and we will make sure of course…that our five-man committee (would be composed of) persons of integrity,” he said.

Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will also review the names of police officers whose resignations are accepted.

“Importante sa akin yun, salang-sala (That’s important to me, they should be really screened),” he said.

On January 4, Abalos asked third-level officials of the PNP to submit their courtesy resignations, saying it was part of the administration’s efforts to cleanse the police force of officers involved in illegal drugs.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a retired police general, is part of the five-member committee which will assess the courtesy resignations and make a recommendation to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. earlier said those who complied with Abalos’ call will undergo a lifestyle check.

He earlier said it remains unclear if 10 police officers allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade are among those who have already submitted their resignation.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III earlier called the move "unfair and illogical," saying the officials have the right to be informed of accusations against them.

International rights watchdog Human Rights Watch questioned the point of the exercise. "The short answer is that trusting the police to voluntarily resign if they were somehow involved in abuse is a recipe for nothing happening in the Philippines," HRW deputy Asia director Phil Robertson said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News