Ex-CA justice is the 5th man to evaluate PNP colonels, generals in 'narco-cops' purge

Retired Court of Appeals (CA) justice Melchor Sadang is the fifth member of the Committee of Five which was tasked to conduct assessment and evaluation of all the courtesy resignations submitted by more than 900 full colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. disclosed on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos also revealed that the committee will hold its first meeting on Monday, Feb. 13.

Sadang is a product of the University of the Philippines in both his Political Science and Law degrees.

He passed the Bar in 1976 and became law professor, presiding judge of the Cavite City Regional Trial Court and Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.

"He really went through the screening and we are thankful to Justice Melchor Quirino Cabarroguis Sadang for accepting the position of being the fifth member of this advisory group,’’ said Abalos.

The other members of the five-man committee include retired police general and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro and retired police general Isagani Nerez.

In the next three months, Abalos said the committee will conduct an investigation on the police officials and will submit the names of those whose resignations are accepted to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) for another round of verification before submitting their recommendation to the President.