BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- Councilors in the province of Apayao declared support to the Department of the Interior and Local Government  Secretary’s  call for the courtesy resignation of police generals and colonels as part of the Philippine National Police's internal cleansing campaign.

 “The Philippine Councilors League - Apayao Chapter fully supports DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. in his appeal for the “courtesy resignation” of all colonels and generals of the Philippine National Police amid fears that high-ranking police officials are involved in the illegal drug trade,” the PCL said in a statement.

The PCL Apayao Chapter led by its Federation President Councilor Sedolito Bernard Agunos of the municipality of Kabugao, said that the courageous move of Abalos emphasizes the need to ensure a highly professionalized and competent police force for the public to truly feel that  PNP personnel  are their protectors and not otherwise.

 This is an opportunity for the PNP to rise to the challenge and show the people that they remain faithful to their sworn duty to serve and protect, it added.  

In the Cordillera region, 18  top ranking officials of the Cordillera Police Office heeded the call  of the DILG Secretary he made earllier this month. PRO-Cor Regional Director Police Brigadier General Mafelino Bazar led the third level officers of the PRO-Cor   in tendering their courtesy resignation. They include two Police Brigadier Generals and 16 Police Colonels including the provincial PNP directors.

Meanwhile, Abalos has named Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as among the five-members of a panel that will screen  the more than 900 generals and full colonels of the PNP for possible involvement in illegal drugs amid the government’s move to cleanse their ranks. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)