FORMER PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. yesterday confirmed that the five-man advisory group vetting the resignation of police officers have recommended that two generals and two colonels be made to face administrative charges and their courtesy resignations accepted.
Azurin, who bowed out of the service last April 24 upon reaching the retirement of age of 56, said the advisory group made the recommendation to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).
“We submitted our recommendation for NAPOLCOM to conduct the investigation for the administrative cases that will be filed against them,” said Azurin.
Azurin said the advisory group also recommended the acceptance of the courtesy resignation earlier submitted by four senior officers that he did not identify.
Azurin declined to elaborate, merely saying: “Maybe you can also interview the new CPNP (Chief PNP) because he is also aware of the cases,” referring to his successor, Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Earlier reports said the four officers were among the 36 generals and colonels whose courtesy resignations were endorsed by the advisory group for further review.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. urged all police generals and colonels to submit their courtesy resignations last January 4 as part of efforts to rid the PNP of officers linked to illegal drugs.
A five-man advisory group, which included Azurin as member, was formed to review the courtesy resignations of 953 generals and colonels.
Last April 25, the PNP announced that 917 of the generals and officers were cleared of links to illegal drugs while 36 others were recommended to undergo further evaluation.
Abalos confirmed that NAPOLCOM received a recommendation from the advisory group but declined to elaborate. He said the NAPOLCOM had initial discussions on the recommendation last Tuesday.
“We’re going to make a statement about this. Give us about probably two days so we can cover all legalities. We just want that when we make a statement, everything is airtight,” said Abalos.
