Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos asked on Wednesday, Jan. 4, all police officials from the rank of full colonel up to generals to submit a courtesy resignation amid the controversy that hit the Philippine National Police (PNP) anew in connection with the campaign against illegal drugs.
But Abalos was quick to clarify that it was more of an appeal than a directive to all senior police officials as part of what he described as a radical approach to speed up the internal cleansing in the ;police organization.
"After conducting months of thorough study in connection with this problem, it appears that there is a big problem in the police. It appears that there are generals, there are colonels who are involved in illegal drugs," said Abalos in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
"And based on the recommendation of the Chief PNP (General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr) and some ranking officials, I am calling all full colonel up to general to submit a courtesy resignation, I know that this will surprise you but this is the only way to make a fresh start," he added.
Abalos explained that the courtesy resignation of all PNP senior officials is an essential part of the efforts to win back the trust and confidence of the people in the campaign against illegal drugs.
He said the move is also for the sake of a much higher number of police personnel who put their life and their family at risk in running after illegal drugs syndicates.
"I saw for myself how most of the policemen would sacrifice their own lives for the sake of ending this problem. But how can you fight efficiently if it is your own boss who is involved," said Abalos.
"It is a very radical approach to this problem but I do believe we must cleanse our ranks so I appeal to all full colonels up to general to resign," he added.
Abalos made the appeal amid reports of the resurgence of ninja cops, or those involved in the recycling of illegal drugs, such as what happened in the Manila drug bust operation wherein a police sergeant assigned to the intelligence unit of the PNP Drug Enforcement Unit who was tagged as one of those involved in the selling of almost a ton of shabu.