The internal review of police officials allegedly linked to illegal drug trades is expected to end in two weeks or so, according to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.
"I think in another two weeks or so, we’ll be able to finish that. We’ll be able to review all of that," the Chief Executive said during the 1st Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) Meeting in Malacanang.
"It's a very complicated system, and it's a very complicated situation. Hindi naman tayo pwedeng umaksyon on the basis ng tsismis [We cannot act just on the basis of rumors]. We cannot move on that basis. We have to be very careful because we have to [be] fair. It has to be just," he continued.
Marcos noted the government had nothing against the police force because "it is the administration's partner in peace and order."
He also appealed to the members of the PNP to work with his administration, stressing he has an obligation to address the drug trade problem and ensure a credible and well-functioning police force in the country.
“The police have to be with us. They have to be on our side. We cannot do it without them. Ganun lang kasimple ‘yun. We have to have a good functioning police force,” he said.
“Now, but there should be also a mechanism where those who have succumbed to temptation must be brought to account para naman mabuwag natin ang mga ganyang klaseng sistema,” he added.
Marcos also urged council members to address the country’s two main peace and order problems: the rise in political violence and violence stemming from competition among drug syndicates.
The country should tackle the peace and order problem now to avoid being mired in violence and disarray like what happened in other countries.
“We have seen it happening in other countries around the world. Huwag tayong… huwag nating pabayaang mapunta ang Pilipinas doon sa ganung klaseng sitwasyon. Bakit? That’s when governments fail, that when nations fail, and wala na tayong maaasahan,” he said.
Last January, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. asked high-ranking police officers to file their courtesy resignation as part of the efforts to cleanse the police force of officers with drug links.
And just last week, 49 police personnel were found criminally and administratively liable for the PHP 6.7-billion shabu (local version of methamphetamine hydrochloride) haul and "cover-up" in October last year.
