Azurin assures 'fair, objective, judicious' process vs colonels, generals

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. assured on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, a “fair, objective and judicious” process in the evaluation of the courtesy resignation of third-level officials amid efforts to weed the police organization from erring cops.

In a statement, Azurin said he will make sure there will be “zero tolerance” for personal biases and political color in the processes they will undertake.

“At the end of this exercise, we can be sure that the PNP will be in good and reliable hands of trustworthy third-level officers,” he said.

Azurin will form part of the five-man committee who will assess the courtesy resignation of police colonels and generals on the basis of their possible involvement on illegal drugs.

Others were Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, former Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and retired Major General Isagani Nerez.

The committee will submit to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) the names of police officials whose resignation should be accepted due to their involvement in illegal drugs.

Azurin earlier said he will not be included in the committee, noting that he also submitted his courtesy resignation following the appeal of Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. in a bid to cleanse the police ranks.

However, Abalos in a press conference in Malacañang announced that Azurin will “stir” the council to its direction, noting he can provide the most recent intelligence report that would be vital to the investigation.

The DILG secretary said Azurin already underwent screening and his resignation was denied.

The top cop expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for appointing him as one of the members of the committee with a “very challenging and daunting task.”

“This moment in the PNP's transformation journey will surely carve a mark in the nation's history, and I am proud to be part of it,” said Azurin.

“As a long-time member of uniformed service, I am a living witness in the birth pains and shaping of the PNP, it is my personal belief that this event came into picture at the right time and opportunity. And with this once in a lifetime pursuit, it defines the character of each third-level officer,” he added.

Azurin urged the public to trust the process, which is aimed at molding a better and stronger PNP.

Abalos made the call for all police colonels and generals to submit their courtesy resignation after having found that some of them were involved in the illegal drugs trade while they are supposed to be addressing the drug menace.

Azurin said there were about ten officials on their list of those involved in the illegal activity. (SunStar Philippines)