Abalos says only 3 PNP officials have not tendered their courtesy resignation

Benhur Abalos INQUIRER file photo / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos said only three of the top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have not yet rendered their courtesy resignation.

“As for the courtesy resignation, there were only 11 left. Of the 11, eight will already be retired. So in short, only three [have not resigned],” Abalos said partly in Filipino during an ambush interview in Taguig City when asked how many top PNP officials are yet to submit their courtesy resignation.

Abalos did not identify the three officials.

A total of 953 generals and colonels of the PNP are expected to submit their courtesy resignations.

The Secretary called for the courtesy resignation of all police colonels and generals, citing concerns that many are already part of drug syndicates.

A five-member committee is tasked to evaluate the high-ranking police officers who have submitted their courtesy resignations to trace their possible links to the drug trade.

Meanwhile, Abalos said there would be no extension on the resignation deadline of January 31.

“The sooner we get through with this, the better for everyone,” he said.

JPV/abc