Abalos: Courtesy resignations were PNP Chief's idea
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 2) – It was Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rodolfo Azurin who suggested that all senior police officials submit their courtesy resignations, according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
Azurin brought up the idea after he was asked for ways to rid the PNP of personnel involved in the illegal drug trade, Abalos said in a speech at the 36th anniversary of the Vanguards of the Philippine Constitution Thursday morning.
"We were discussing about the levels na nangyayari dito within the PNP. Nakakatakot na. So he suggested na, yun sinabi niya, mag-resign," Abalos said. "The rest is history now. Pinag-usapan namin 'to ng presidente. Of course, hindi pu-pwede ang lahat ng ito kung wala ang presidente dito."
[Translation: We were discussing the levels of what's happening within the PNP. It's frightening. So he suggested the courtesy resignations. The rest is history now. We spoke to the president about this. This wouldn't have been possible without the president.]
"Dinala namin siya [Azurin] sa presidente (We took him to the president). This is what we discussed with the president," Abalos added.
Azurin has been tasked to lead the five-man committee that will investigate the 955 senior officers, along with Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, and retired Major General Isagani Nerez.
The name of the last member was withheld due to supposed security concerns.
Azurin earlier said he will not participate in the investigation. However, Abalos said the president did not accept the PNP chief's resignation and tasked him to lead the probe instead.
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PNP chief Azurin submits courtesy resignation
"Hindi tinanggap ang kanyang resignation dahil wala siyang records about drugs," Abalos said.
[Translation: His resignation was not accepted because he has no record about drugs.]
He added that Azurin was not under investigation. "Tapos na [It's over] as far as Azurin is concerned."
Initially, Azurin said less than ten police officials were involved in illegal drugs.
However, instead of investigating and building cases against them, the Department of the Interior and Local Government opted to ask 955 full colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignations.
So far, Abalos said only seven senior police officials have yet to resign - including six who are about to retire from the service.
