PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Archie Gamboa on Monday, February 10, urged the 357 policemen being investigated for alleged illegal drug links to exercise their option to retire early.
Gamboa said he made the offer when he met with some of the men. As of Monday, only one has responded to the offer. Gamboa declined to identify him.
“Before I left, I told them: ‘I am giving option and this I will offer once. If you think you are guilty, you better render your optional retirement. The deadline for this is today' (February 10, 2020),” Gamboa said.
The PNP chief, however, said, retirement will not clear the policemen of criminal charges should the allegations against them are found to have basis.
The 357 officers, including an official with the rank of Brigadier General, are on the illegal drugs watchlist of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Their cases are undergoing adjudication for one month beginning Monday, February 10, 2020, as part of the PNP's internal cleansing process.
Gamboa said adjudication will be a two-step process. The cases will be verified first at the regional and directorial level for one week before these are forwarded to the national level.
The result of the adjudication will be forwarded to Duterte, said Gamboa.
The watchlist was drawn up when Duterte assumed office in 2016. But this is the first time for the PNP to adjudicate the allegations. (SunStar Philippines)