Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 1) — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday named four of the five members of an advisory panel that will review the courtesy resignation of the Philippine National Police generals and full colonels.
They are Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin, former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and retired Gen. Isagani Nerez.
It was announced earlier that Magalong, a retired police general, will be among the members of the advisory panel.
READ: Magalong part of five-man panel to look into PNP officers’ ties to illegal drugs
In a media briefing, Abalos said there is still an ongoing talk regarding the fifth member who refused to be named under his “personal prerogative.”
“Wag na munang [pangalanan]. Mahirap na [kasi] it’s a very sensitive issue as far as the family is concerned,” Abalos said.
[Translation: We won’t name the person yet. It’s difficult since it’s a very sensitive topic as far as the family is concerned.]
Abalos also announced that Azurin will lead the advisory panel since he was already screened.
“Nag-usap [na] kami ng presidente tungkol dito,” Abalos said. “Hindi tinanggap ang kaniyang [Azurin] resignation [so] he is still the chief PNP to also steer the committee. He is in the position to give recent intelligence report.”
[Translation: The president and I already talked about this. Azurin’s resignation was not accepted so he is still the chief PNP, who will also steer the committee. He is in the position to give a recent intelligence report.]
READ: PNP chief Azurin submits courtesy resignation
The advisory panel will also craft specific guidelines and regulations when it comes to reviewing the courtesy resignations, Abalos said.
“That is why the PNP chief is there to guide them. Probably pwede tayo mag [we can] suggest. But by the end of the day, they will be very independent.” Abalos said.
“Mahirap mag impluwensya [It’s difficult to influence them], let them decide on their own. We can just provide information and intelligence reports,” he added.
The advisory panel was formed following Abalos’ call for the courtesy resignation of PNP top officials as part of efforts to cleanse their ranks of ties to illegal drugs.
The fifth member was later revealed to be former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Melchor Quirino Sadang.
