By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said police officials who have submitted their courtesy resignations will undergo a lifestyle check.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Jan.10, Azurin said the measure is part of the investigation to be conducted by the five-man committee tasked to assess their courtesy resignations and will issue a recommendation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on whether to reject or accept the same.
“As of now we need to ask the members of the committee about the other procedures to be undertaken, but definitely that would be part of the investigation or inquiry that will be conducted by the committee to assess and evaluate all third-level officers,” Azurin said.
The PNP personnel undergo yearly lifestyle checks in accordance with Republic Act 3019 or the “Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices”,and Republic Act 6713 or the “Act Establishing a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said around 70 percent of all police generals and colonels have already submitted their courtesy resignations.
She expects the figure to increase as they await those from officials deployed in far regions in the country.
Fajardo said they are still checking if the 10 police officials purportedly involved in the illegal drug trade have already submitted their courtesy resignations.
“Sa ngayon ay wala pa tayong information doon sa mga sinasabi at nababanggit ni Chief PNP na less than 10 na tina-target ng investigation kung kasama na sila doon sa more or less 70 percent at aalamin natin yan at magbibigay tayo ng update kapag nakakuha na tayo ng datos (Right now we don’t have information on what the Chief PNP mentioned earlier that less than 10 are being targeted by the investigation if they are included in more or less 70 percent and we will find out and give an update when we get the data),” Fajardo said.
Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo announced that all 76 third-level officers have submitted their courtesy resignations.
Estomo led the signing of courtesy resignation together with third-level commissioned officers of NCRPO as well as underwent a surprise drug test which resulted in positive feedback from the media, citizens and the community.
He also ordered a surprise drug test of 30 station commanders with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel — 16 from the Quezon City Police District (QCDP) and 14 from the Manila Police District (MPD).
“The conduct of this drug test to the station commanders of QCPD and MPD is to show their subordinates that their officers are not involved in illegal drug use. As a matter of fact, it is on record that out of 72 full colonels and up who underwent drug test, all tested negative for illegal drugs,” he added. (PNA)
