PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. yesterday said three generals and eight colonels who refuse to heed the call to submit courtesy resignations as part of efforts to rid the police force of senior officials linked to illegal drugs will be investigated.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Azurin said just 11 more third level PNP officials have yet to tender their courtesy resignations. He did not identify them.
“We continue to reach out to them, these three generals and eight colonels (to submit their courtesy resignations),” said Azurin. “Actually, seven of them are due for retirement. Maybe, they (seven) are still trying to discern if they will submit (resignations) since they are nearing retirement.”
Azurin urged the seven and four others to submit their courtesy resignations “so that at least you will be totally cleared by the evaluation and review (committee) of involvement in illegal drugs.”
The resignations will be vetted by a five-man committee that includes retired police general and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
If the 11 officials do not heed the call of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., Azurin said they will be investigated by the PNP.
“Definitely, they will be examined by the PNP,” said Azurin. Asked if they will be investigated even after they have retired, Azurin said: “Yes, even after retirement.”
“If they will not submit, there will be no record (for the committee to subject them to vetting). It will be the PNP which will look into the indicators if they are involved in illegal drug activities during their incumbency as third level officers,” said Azurin.
There are 952 generals and colonels in the PNP eligible to heed the call made by Abalos earlier this month.
In all, 941 generals and colonels have resigned so far, including the director general of the PNP Internal Affairs Service, lawyer Alfegar Triambulo.
The generals and colonels have been given until the end of this month to submit their courtesy resignations.
