By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) backs the call of Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. for all high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to submit their courtesy resignations as part of the PNP’s internal cleansing.

In a radio interview yesterday morning, BCPO director, Colonel Joseph Thomas Martir said he supports and respects Abalos’ call, but he pointed out that this only applies to officers who are currently assigned in Metro Manila and not those located in other regions.

During a press conference on Wednesday, January 4, Abalos urged all high-ranking PNP officials to submit their courtesy resignations, as part of the PNP’s “internal narco purge.”

A committee of five members would then be tasked to review the police official’s profile, Abalos said.

During the review period, the PNP personnel will be allowed to continue his or her duties, and will only be removed from the service if the committee approves the resignation.

Aside from the courtesy resignations, the PNP also announced recently that it has handed down dismissal and disciplinary actions to more than 2,600 errant cops in 2022./DGB, WDJ