BRIGADIER General Rommel Francisco Marbil, director of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO 8), led high-ranking police officials in the region in expressing support to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.’s appeal to submit their respective courtesy resignations to cleanse the Philippine National Police (PNP) of erring personnel.
"This is a great challenge for the uniformed service and an opportunity to speed up the internal cleansing process within our ranks. I believe that we will emerge as a stronger organization and will win back the trust and confidence of the people," said Marbil in a press conference at Camp Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte Tuesday, January 10, 2023.
"We do not condone involvement in any illegal drug activities among our ranks," he added.
A total of 21 third-level officers of PRO 8, comprising two Brigadier Generals and 19 Colonels, have already submitted their courtesy resignations for evaluation.
Amid the allegations of involvement of police officials in illegal drug activities, Marbil said that PRO 8 “maintains strong leadership and the highest form of professionalism in public service.”
“With the mechanism in place, this is a time for us to cleanse our ranks. We do not allow any policeman to be involved in illegal drugs,” he added.
Marbil assured fellow officials that they would undergo due process of law and have a chance to defend themselves when facing the committee that will evaluate their records.
“We will exercise our rights,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marbil lauded the generals and police colonels who heeded the call of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief and PNP Chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
“The good thing here is people will have the awareness that we should not be involved in any illegal activity,” said Marbil, while denying that their action was only for a publicity stunt.
As proof that he is not involved in any form of illegal drug activity, Marbil signed an affidavit in front of reporters and fellow police officials.
According to Marbil, those who submitted their courtesy resignations will maintain their current designations until proven by the five-man committee at the central office. (SunStar Philippines)