PNP chief to kick out more scalawags

MANILA, Philippines — To make the most out of his term to improve the image of the Philippine National Police, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. vowed to kick out more scalawags in their organization.

Acorda, whose term was extended by President Marcos until March 31, 2024, has set his sights on weeding out more misfits within their ranks.

“With this extension with the police force, I wish to lessen the number of those involved (in corruption),” he told reporters in Filipino in an interview on Friday.

Acorda was supposed to retire on his 56th birthday last Dec. 3, but Marcos extended his term for three more months.

With the trust and confidence given to him by the President, Acorda vowed to maximize his term by intensifying the crackdown against corrupt police officers, including those involved in illegal drugs.

“I hope there won’t be any more, although that’s reaching for the moon already, but we will aim for that,” he said.

Up to 985 police officers have been dismissed from service due to involvement in illegal drugs and other nefarious activities during the Marcos administration. The figure represents about 0.42 percent of the 232,000-strong police force.

The PNP said 108 of the violators were dismissed due to involvement in illegal drugs. Of the number, 65 were found to be drug users.

Other police officers were dismissed for serious offenses such as extortion and going absent without leave or AWOL, Acorda said.

They are among the 3,932 PNP personnel who were sanctioned for various offenses.