Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas backed the move of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to call for top police officials to submit their courtesy resignations.
The resignation call, which was recommended by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr., is a “welcome development,” according to Defensor.
“Ang mga bag-o naton nga department heads need nga mag-start sang fresh. As a local chief executive, mabal-an mo ang mga area nga may illegal drugs,” he said in a press conference.
“Here in Iloilo province, 90 percent [drug-]cleared na kita. Bisan lain-lain pa ang magpungko, nami ang dalagan sang anti-drug campaign diri sa aton sa Iloilo and Western Visayas,” Defensor added.
The governor is “contenteted” with the work performance of the director of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and station commanders.
“I don’t think it’s fair for me to say nga makasiling kita nga may ara involved [in Illegal drug activities] diri but again, I’m contented with their work,” said Defensor.
In a statement, Treñas also expressed support for the call made by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday, Jan 3, to cleanse the PNP organization of those linked to illegal drugs.
“As a local chief executive, I am very concerned about the possibility that there are still PNP officers playing footsies with the new drug personalities,” he said.
“I am certain that Sec. Benhur has sensitive information about the issue which is not available to all of us,” he added.
Abalos said the records of police officers with ranks of full colonel to general will be evaluated by a five-member committee.
“Resignations of those who will be found to have links with the illegal drug trade will be accepted.”IMT
