By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director, Colonel Leo Pamittan affirmed that he had already submitted his courtesy resignation for heeding the call of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Jr. for the internal cleansing of the police force.

Abalos’ call stemmed over the involvement of several high-ranking officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in illegal drug activities.

In a radio interview over the weekend, Pamittan said he is cooperating with the Interior Secretary’s steps in clearing the PNP of errant personnel.

He is also open to any investigation by the five-member committee which will evaluate the profiles of the police personnel who tendered their resignation.

Pamittan said he and other police directors in the region, as well as Police Regional Office in Western Visayas director, Brigadier General Leo Francisco, have also submitted their courtesy resignations.

The NOCPPO chief also condemned the erring high-ranking PNP officials for tarnishing the country’s police force and hopes that they will be held liable for their actions.

Around 88 percent of the police colonels and generals have already submitted their resignations as of January 12.

PNP chief, General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. also revealed that all police officials will undergo lifestyle checks as part of the assessment of their courtesy resignations.

The committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr./DGB, WDJ