Napolcom yet to finish evaluation of 32 police officers initially investigated by 5-man panel

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 15) — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) said it is still looking deeper into the alleged involvement of 32 high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) who failed to hurdle the review made by the five-man advisory group.

"We are still waiting doon sa response at update ng Napolcom," PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing on Monday. "We have to understand nasa Napolcom na yung bola with respect doon sa further evaluation and investigation dito sa 32 PNP personnel and antayin natin. Ang sabi ng DILG it will take at least two to three weeks bago sila makapagbigay sa atin ng update."

[Translation: We are still waiting for the response and updates of the Napolcom. We have to understand the ball in now in Napolcom's court with respect to the further evaluation and investigation of the 32 PNP personnel and we have to wait for that. The Department of the Interior and Local Government said it would take two to three weeks before they can give us an update.]

It can be recalled that the Napolcom has released the initial findings of the investigation made by the five-man panel.

The panel, headed by former PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin, recommended the acceptance of the courtesy resignations of two generals and two colonels, and the filing of criminal and administrative charges against them.

Meanwhile, 917 officials were cleared from any involvement in illegal drugs.

According to Fajardo, these senior officers are now eligible for promotion, which was halted by the review process.