Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed on Wednesday, Jan. 4, her full support to the call of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos for Philippine National Police (PNP) senior officials to submit a “courtesy resignation” in line with the department’s goal to eradicate illegal drugs in the country.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, Quezon City, the DILG secretary appealed for the courtesy resignation of PNP officials – from full colonels to generals -- amid the concerns connecting some members of the country’s police force to illegal drug activities.
Abalos cited some anti-drug operations of the police including the drug sting in Manila in October, which resulted in the arrest of a police sergeant who was allegedly involved in illegal drug trade. He said the move is part of the organization’s internal cleansing.
According to the mayor, the DILG secretary’s call is a move to remove “bad eggs” in the hierarchy of the PNP, who serves as protectors and coddlers of drug syndicates.
“The Local Government of Quezon City, through our QC Anti-Drug Abuse Advisory Council (QCADAAC), is fully aware of the extent and depth of the illegal drug problem, not just in our city, but in the entire country. We believe in the wisdom of Secretary Abalos, and trust that with due process accorded to the police officers in the review of their records, those who have nothing to hide should not worry. In fact, officers who are truly performing should benefit from such laudable efforts from the side of the DILG,” Belmonte said.
“This bold move will help get rid of unwanted members of the police force. The prevalence of illegal drugs can only be solved through a comprehensive, whole of nation approach, and I believe the challenge issued by the Secretary is a timely and necessary intervention,” she added.
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