Starting at the top

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. recently asked for the courtesy resignation of all generals and colonels of the PNP. According to Abalos, this is the fastest way to address the problem of illegal drugs that seems to have infiltrated the top brass of the PNP. Per Abalos’ plan, a committee of five people will review the records of each officer to determine if involved in illegal drugs. So far, only Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has been named to the committee. I think a civilian not connected in any way to the PNP must be included. The only thing that is certain is that Abalos will not be on the committee. Abalos clarified that even if resignations have been submitted, the respective work of the officers continues.

If the committee accepts their resignation, only then will they be removed from the service. In other words, the committee discovered something. Those who do not have anything to do with drugs should not worry. I assume those who will not submit their courtesy resignations will only cast more suspicion on themselves. So far, PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and many other generals and colonels from all over the country have tendered their resignations. But only Magalong has been named on the committee at present so the vetting of the officers cannot commence.

If Sec. Abalos believes high-ranking officers of the PNP are involved in the illegal drug trade, what did the six-year drug war under former president Duterte achieve? Thousands died, mostly the low-level pushers and some users. Others were even innocent, killed to pad the numbers or to be in the good graces of the master. Senator Dela Rosa recently stated "ninja cops" have returned, implying only Duterte could eliminate them. If that is so, too bad his term is over.

But that's what I don't understand. Isn't the main duty of the PNP to fight and suppress crime? Isn't that what they were taught and trained to do? Is it not a crime to be involved in illegal drugs in any way, whether supplier, pusher, or user? So, is there a need for an order from the president for the police to fight and suppress illegal drugs? Why did the PNP seem to be serious to do this under Duterte?

If President Marcos Jr. wants to be serious in the fight against carnapping, will the PNP heed his order and put all other crimes aside? It seems ridiculous for the PNP to operate this way. The police are supposed to serve and protect the people, not the president. Or am I being too naïve? In any case, we will have to wait for the full composition of the committee before we can see any tangible results. I hope they do discover a dirty general and colonel and prosecute them accordingly. Otherwise, this may just be another waste of time, which is exactly what some lawmakers have said.