Reaching the mandatory age of 56, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ended his eight-month "roller coaster" stint today, April 24.
According to Azurin, there are still unfinished businesses overall, but he is thankful for the opportunity given to him to serve the country.
He told the reporters that he is excited about the future, and he cannot help but feel a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the past 34 years he has dedicated to the noble profession.
Azurin is a member of the Philippine Marine Academy (PMA) "Makatao" class of 1989.
He hailed the collaborative efforts of the police force for the PNP's historic accomplishments, notably in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs.
Also, he would resign in the midst of an investigation into the 990 kilograms of shabu that were allegedly taken from the Drug Enforcement Group's Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayor Jr. during a major raid in Manila in October of last year, as well as the alleged involvement of some police officers, including generals.
He insisted that there was no extensive cover-up, as claimed by Secretary Benhur Abalos of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), saying that the PNP's syndicates had been exposed.
Furthermore, the PNP chief claimed that in his capacity as chief, he looked out for the PNP members' wellbeing, whom he thought to be the most important.
Azurin expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Rowen Tolentino and the PMA administration for honoring his national service.
He exhorted the cadets to uphold the PMA ideals of bravery, commitment, and integrity.
Meanwhile, he promised to begin making up missed time with his family by Monday.
