Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday it will not impose sanctions on police generals and colonels who refuse to submit their courtesy resignation.
“It is only an appeal. Hindi ko po ino-orderan; hindi ko pinupuwersa [I am not ordering or forcing them],” DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos told reporters, referring to his call earlier this month for over 900 police generals and colonels to voluntarily resign as part of efforts to cleanse their ranks of ties to illegal drugs.
“Walang sanctions, walang measures na gagawin laban sa kanila [No sanctions or measures will be implemented]. We will not take it against them,” he added.
Out of the remaining 11 police officers who have not tendered their resignations, Abalos said eight are about to retire, which makes their situation “understandable.”
He did not say if he would reach out to the other three.
The deadline for courtesy resignations of senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on Jan. 31.
“The sooner we get through with this, the better,” Abalos said, noting an extension is unlikely.
A five-man committee composed of personalities “from various sectors” will look into the possible drug involvement of police officials. Another review will be conducted by the National Police Commission after.
“Dalawang review ‘yan just to make sure na walang inosente ang matatanggal,” said Abalos.
[Translation: Two reviews will be conducted just to make sure no innocent official will be removed from their post.]
