Police General Benjamin Acorda, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Is hoping that the submission of the courtesy resignation of their senior officers early this year would be the last for the police organization as he urged all uniformed personnel to be honest and professional in doing their job.
Acorda issued the statement after he met with Palace officials where he was also given the letter containing the details on the acceptance by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. of the resignation of 18 of its senior officers allegedly linked to illegal drugs activities.
The 18 senior police officers are composed of three generals and 15 colonels.
“On the part of the whole organization, I am requesting for all of us to continue to work. We should not be affected by this outcome and what I want is that each and every personnel will continue to implement and do our law enforcement operations professionally and aggressively,” said Acorda.
Acorda was one of the more than 950 PNP third level officers who submitted a courtesy resignation following the controversies on the alleged presence of ninja cops (those who recycle confiscated illegal drugs) that stemmed from the 990 kilos of shabu seized in Manila wherein the main player was allegedly a policeman.
The same operation also led to the relief of over 45 personnel of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group after investigation revealed that some of those who joined the operation stole a portion of the drug haul while some allegedly tried to save dismissed police sergeant Rodolfo Mayo, Jr.
Status
With the letter from Malacanang already received by the PNP, Acorda said the 18 senior police officers whose courtesy resignations were accepted are already deemed resigned.
But he said there will be a process that will be observed, especially on the aspect of the benefits.
As the 18 senior officers were already deemed resigned, Acorda said the positions that they would vacate would be immediately filled up.
“They (18 senior officers) have options (to appeal) but whatever their next course of action, I will leave it to them. But on the part of the PNP, they are already deemed resigned,” said Acorda.
Hope
“To the rest of the PNP officers and men, hopefully this (submission of courtesy resignation) would not be repeated and we can do this by cooperating with each other. Let us really convince our fellow Filipinos that their PNP can be trusted and that we can do our job honestly and professionally, and all in accordance with the law” said Acorda.
“I believe that this is the only way so that this would not be repeated,” he added.