7 police officials shun resignation call

MANILA, Philippines — Seven ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have shunned the appeal of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos to submit courtesy resignations as the deadline lapsed yesterday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said yesterday that of the 10 holdouts last Monday, three senior police officials have submitted their resignation letters.

Based on the latest data she received, Fajardo said seven have not submitted their courtesy resignations on the Jan. 31 deadline.

The PNP’s chief publicist, Col. Redrico Maranan, said the number was still at seven as of yesterday afternoon.

Fajardo said in a text message the seven holdouts are three generals and four colonels.

It means 944 or 99.26 percent of the 951 ranking police officials have heeded Abalos’ call to resign as part of his measures to weed out scalawags who are involved in the illegal drug trade.

Fajardo, in an interview with Teleradyo, said seven of the 10 who have not submitted their courtesy resignations last Monday are up for retirement.

She said the decision of the police officials not to submit their courtesy resignations will still receive their benefits and other entitlements in accordance with the law.

However, these benefits may be withheld by the government upon the directive of a court if charges are filed against them.