Senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will need a little more time to wait for the approval of their promotion amid the final phase of the assessment and evaluation aimed at purging the organization of officials who may have links with illegal drugs operations. While the five-man advisory group has already completed its task, its recommendation is still under the review of the National Police Commission and will eventually be submitted to the Office of the President for action. PNP chief information officer Col. Redrico Maranan said the entire process of assessment and evaluation has to be completed first to determine who among the third level officers, from colonel to general, are cleared. “The processing of the promotions of third level officers is continuous, there’s just a need to clear those who are for promotion,” said Maranan. “Once it is submitted to the President, then the promotions of third level officers will continue,” he added. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, who asked the third level officers to submit a courtesy resignation over the resurgence of allegations of involvement of cops in illegal drugs trade, earlier said that 917 senior officers were already cleared. On the other hand, at least 36 senior police officers are still subjected to further assessment and evaluation of Napolcom. Once the courtesy resignation of any senior PNP officer is accepted, the rule is that he or she would be forced to retire from the service. “So, the promotion is temporarily on hold until such time that those who would be promoted are cleared of the alleted link to illegal drugs activities,” said Maranan.