PNP to remove from post 18 execs linked to illegal drugs, says Acorda

Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said that it is set to remove from their post the 18 officials who were allegedly involved in illegal drug activities after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted their courtesy resignations last July 25.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the police organization has already issued the appropriate orders concerning Marcos’ acceptance.

Although the PNP chief did not reveal when their resignations will take effect, Acorda told reporters that the status of the 18 senior officers “are deemed resigned.”

Regarding the benefits of the resigned officials, Acorda said that the force would still have to check if they are still eligible to receive some of them.

“May mga matatanggap at hindi matatanggap na parte di ko pa lang alam yung specifics,” he said.

(There are acceptable and unacceptable parts, I don’t know the specifics yet.)

Acorda likewise revealed that the police force will implement a reorganization among its third-level officials, adding that the acceptance of their resignations will not harm the PNP.

“Any vacuum that will be created because of this acceptance, any implementation should be filled up immediately […] Structural naman, when somebody’s being relieved or resigned, or retired, mayroon namang papalit,” he explained.

(Any vacuum created because of this acceptance or any implementation should be filled immediately. PNP is structural; when somebody is relieved, resigned, or retired, there will be a replacement.)

Among the officials whose courtesy resignations were accepted are Police Brig. Generals Remus Balingasa Medina, Randy Quines Peralta, and Pablo Gacayan Labra II; Colonels Rogarth Bulalacao Campo, Rommel Javier Ochave, Rommel Allaga Velasco, Robin King Sarmiento, Fernando Reyes Ortega, Rex Ordoño Derilo, Julian Tesorero Olonan, Rolando Tapon Portera, Lawrence Bonifacio Cajipe, Dario Milagrosa Menor, Joel Kagayed Tampis, Michael Arcillas David, Igmedio Belonio Bernaldez, Rodolfo Calope Albotra Jr., and Marvin Barba Sanchez.

READ: Bongbong Marcos accepts resignation of 18 police officials linked to illegal drugs

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said that the resignations of these officials were voluntary; however, he did not clarify whether the chief executive’s move confirms their ties to illegal drug activities.

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JPV