PNP awaits President Marcos document on 18 police officials’ resignations

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is waiting for Malacañang to send an official copy of President Marcos’ announcement accepting the courtesy resignations of 18 high-ranking police officials with suspected illegal drug ties.

“We would like to get an official copy before we act. This is about 12 senior officers who remain in their posts and whose assignments have not been relieved pending their official receipt document signed or to be signed by our President,” PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in an interview over radio dzBB.

The 18 high-ranking PNP officers resigned pending the National Police Commission’s investigation into the suspected illegal drug trade involvement of 953 law enforcers.

Six of the 18 officers are on floating status while the remaining 12 are still in their current assignments, according to Fajardo.

Some of the officers reassigned to the PNP Health Service and the Personnel Holding and Accounting Office are parties to 69 administrative and criminal complaints filed over 990 kilograms of illegal drugs confiscated in 2022.

These factors, Fajardo said, led to the decision to temporarily hold off on releasing the officers’ names publicly until the official document is received.

Fajardo earlier mentioned that PNP officers may be considered optionally retired for the purpose of receiving their retirement benefits if their resignations are accepted, which is why the PNP asked for clarification from the Palace.