The five-member committee that will review courtesy resignations submitted by third-level police officers and investigates their possible involvement in illegal drug activities will meet twice a week, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
Azurin stated that the advisory group, of which he is a member, agreed to hold screening meetings twice weekly.
Former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, retired general and now Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Undersecretary Isagani Nerez, and retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Melchor Sadang are also members of the advisory group.
During their meeting last week, 118 officers, all of whom hold key positions in the police organization, were the first to be evaluated and assessed.
According to the agreement, officials whose resignations are accepted will be forced to retire, regardless of how long they are expected to remain in the PNP.
The mandatory retirement age for PNP uniformed personnel is 56, and those asked to resign include generals and police colonels, some of whom have served for at least eight years.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. stated that the committee would thoroughly vet police officials over the next three months and submit the names of those whose resignations are accepted to the Napolcom for another verification round before recommending them to the president.
The move aims to rid the ranks of police officers of any potential influence or collusion by drug syndicates.
