LUCENA CITY – Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region have submitted their courtesy resignation following the appeal made by Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
“We all believe that with this undertaking, the PNP will assure the Filipino people that only law-abiding police officers will be chosen to remain in active service and continue to be vanguards of law and fight those who take advantage of their rank and power for the benefit of these drug syndicates,” Brig. General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., commander of the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO-4A), said in a statement.
Nartatez emphasized that despite the alleged involvement of some policemen in the illegal drugs trade, “the men and women of PRO-4A truly believe that through their love for justice and dedication to their sworn duties, the Calabarzon region will remain strong in the fight against illegal drugs.”
Nartatez, along with his five provincial directors, Colonels Christopher Olazo of Cavite, Randy Glenn Silvio (Laguna), Pedro Soliba (Batangas), Donnic Baccay (Rizal) and Ledon Monte (Quezon) tendered their courtesy resignation on Friday during the annual Regional Director’s New Year’s call held at Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, Abalos called on all PNP colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignation in a bid to purge the organizations of high-ranking officers who are involved in the illegal drug trade.
A committee of five would be tasked to review the profile of the officials who would submit a courtesy resignation.
While their courtesy resignation is still under review by the committee, the officials would still stay in their current assignments.
Once the committee approves the resignation, only then would the officials concerned be removed from the service.
In his speech at the New Year’s call, Nartatez described the past year as “filled with challenges and difficulties in the police service.”
“But it has also brought us moments of joy and triumph,” he said.
He added: “Despite the obstacles we faced, we have persevered and come out stronger on the other side through our concerted efforts, forging linkages and cooperation with the community.”
He challenged all policemen in the region “to set our sights on the goals and aspirations that we have for ourselves and for the people around us.”
“Let us resolve to be kinder, more understanding, and more compassionate towards others as we continue to work together to create a better future and for the welfare of the organization and the community we serve and protect,” he said.