Internal cleansing: 95% of 954 senior PNP officials submit courtesy resignations, says Abalos
By Chito Chavez
About 95 percent of the 954 Philippine National Police (PNP) generals and full colonels have already submitted their courtesy resignations as part of a radical move to eliminate "ninja cops" from the organization, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. announced on Friday, Jan. 13.

Abalos, in a press conference at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, thanked the police officials who already complied to his appeal for their courtesy resignation so that cops with suspected links to illegal drug activities may be identified, investigated, and removed from the rank. He said their records of complaint officers will be assessed by a five-man committee.
“Ako'y nagpapasalamat sa tiwalang binigay nila (I am thankful for the trust that they gave) and we will make sure, of course, that our five-man committee (would be composed of) persons of integrity,” Abalos said.
Further, Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will also review the names of police officers whose resignations will be accepted.
“Importante sa akin yun, salang-sala (That’s important to me, they should be thoroughly screened),” he added.
On January 4, Abalos asked the said PNP officials to submit their courtesy resignations, explaining the radical move is in line with the administration’s bid to cleanse the police force of officers involved in illegal drugs.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, a former PNP general, is eyed to be part of the five-member committee which will assess the courtesy resignations. The results of the investigation will be submitted to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
The DILG chief said that he will announce the complete members of the assessment committee "soon."
“Ayoko maging fishing expedition ito eh (I do not want this to be a fishing expedition). We just want to make sure na when we announce talagang tanggap ng tao (really accepted by the public),’’ Abalos stressed.
Earlier, PNP chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. noted those who complied with Abalos’ call will undergo a lifestyle check.
There are allegedly at least 10 senior police officers who are suspected to have ties to illegal drug activities, according to Abalos.
But Azurin stated that it remains unclear if the 10 police officers with illicit drug trade links are among those who have already submitted their resignation.