PNP chief will no longer be investigated for drugs — Abalos

Philippine National Police (PNP) Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to high-ranking police officers who will be investigated if they have anything to do with illegal drugs, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said this Thursday.

According to Abalos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not accept Azurin’s courtesy resignation because his record is clean.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Hindi na [siya iimbestigahan], tapos na as far as Azurin is concerned,” said Abalos.

It will be recalled that Abalos urged the generals and colonels in the PNP to file courtesy resignations so that they can be investigated if they are involved in the sale of illegal drugs, a step that is part of the internal cleansing of the police force.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Azurin will head the 5-member advisory group that will examine the courtesy resignations of high-ranking police officials.

ADVERTISEMENT

Abalos believes that drugs are a big problem in the ranks of the police because Azurin himself recommended the move to urge high-ranking officers to file courtesy resignations to be investigated.

“If it’s coming from the chief PNP himself suggesting na mag-resign, doon mo makikita ‘yung gravity ng problema sa loob. Ganon katindi,” said Abalos.

PNP chief will no longer be investigated for drugs — Abalos

Azurin will join the panel with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, former CIDG Chief and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Retired Major General Isagani Nerez, and another member who according to Abalos does not want his name released.

ADVERTISEMENT

Third-rank police officer reviews, according to Azurin, will be “fair, objective, and judicious at all stages, making sure that zero tolerance for personal biases and political color shall be observed.”

He also thanked Marcos and Abalos for appointing him as the panel lead.

After an investigation revealed that a small number of police colonels and generals were engaged in the illicit drug trade, Abalos urged all of them to tender polite resignations.

While their records were reviewed, he stated they may keep working. The resignations of those found guilty would be accepted.

Abalos expressed his desire for the committee to complete its assessment of the resignations “in 3 months.”

Visit our Facebook page for more  updates.