2 police generals, 2 colonels recommended for drug raps

MANILA, Philippines — Four ranking police officials have been recommended to be removed from the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

A five-member advisory panel headed by former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. recommended the acceptance of the courtesy resignations of the third-level officials, including two one-star generals and two colonels.

The four were among the 953 third-level officers evaluated by the panel after they submitted their courtesy resignations.

The panel cleared 917 of them, while it endorsed the suspension of President Marcos’ disposition on the 32 officers.

The STAR opted not to reveal the names of the officials as the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has yet to resolve the administrative cases filed against them.

Marcos, being the country’s Chief Executive, will have the final say on the matter.

The four had one thing in common: they were once assigned at the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).

The panel endorsed the filing of administrative charges against the officials before the Napolcom for violation of the PNP’s rules and regulations against illegal drugs.

“The panel is of the opinion that there is sufficient basis to recommend the acceptance of their courtesy resignations,” Azurin said in a letter to Marcos, which was coursed through Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos.

A copy of the letter was seen by The STAR.

Azurin asked Marcos to “withhold action on the courtesy resignations pending the final resolution of the cases filed against the officials.”

“The ad hoc advisory group urged the Napolcom to immediately act on and dispose of the cases to be filed against the PNP officers and put them on preventive suspension during the pendency of the cases,” Azurin said.

Aside from Azurin, the other members of the panel are Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ex-defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, retired police general Isagani Nerez and former Court of Appeals associate justice Melchor Sadang.

The STAR tried but failed to obtain the comment of one of the officials.

Azurin’s successor, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., earlier said they would only make public the names of the police officials once charges are filed against them.