By Alec Go
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos named Wednesday, Feb. 1, four of the five members of the advisory group that will screen the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) top ranks.
Abalos named in a Palace briefing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, PNP Chief Director General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., former Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro, and retired Maj. Gen. Isagani Nerez. The fifth member has yet to be named.
The DILG said the screening is set to begin and is expected to be completed within three months.
“They will be going to the records one by one. Iisa-isahin po itong mga pangalan at pagkatapos kung may makuhang tatanggapin ang resignation, ito ngayon ay ibibigay sa National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM),” Abalos said.
“From then on, ang NAPOLCOM naman ang isa-isang iri-review ulit ang mga pangalang tinanggap ang resignation,” he continued.
Abalos assured that the body will “remain apolitical” throughout the screening process, and will only penalize those with proven involvement in the illegal drugs trade.
He said the committee will not receive any compensation or allowance, as they are “doing this voluntarily [and] they are just advising.”
TINGNAN: Pinangalanan na ni Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Benjamin Abalos Jr. ang apat sa limang miyembro ng advisory group na magsusuri sa matataas na opisyal ng PNP na nauna nang nagpasa ng kanilang mga courtesy resignation. pic.twitter.com/neqpZc52oL
— PTVph (@PTVph) February 1, 2023
Meanwhile, Abalos said only one official did not “technically” follow his appeal for courtesy resignation out of the 955 full generals and colonels.
“Of the 12 [that did not resign], five have already retired, so that leaves us with seven. Of the seven, six are retirees. If we are going to look at the figures, technically, only one has not yet submitted the resignation,” he said.
The lone official who was not identified will not face any sanctions, as the resignation call was only made through appeal. – gb
