MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to build a strong case against Philippine National Police (PNP) officials who will be found to be in cahoots with drug traffickers.

The President, in an interview with the press Friday, said it was part of his campaign pledge to carry out a different approach to the country’s drug problem, as he stressed his government’s efforts to cleanse the ranks of the PNP.

“We approach it in an entirely differently way. Alam naman natin na ‘yung problema sa drugs hindi mangyayari ‘yan kung hindi kasabwat ‘yung mga iba diyan sa police,” he said in a briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The President was asked about the request of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for the courtesy resignation of senior PNP officials, in an effort to cleanse the ranks of the PNP.

“Kailangan natin tingnan nang mabuti sino ba talaga ang kasabwat diyan, sino ba talaga ang involved, at sino’ng hindi na talaga pwedeng mag-serbisyo dahil associated na sila sa mga drug lord," the President pointed out.

Responding to those criticizing the administration’s approach, President Marcos said the PNP hasn't reached the stage of filing cases and it is still in the initial phase of organizing a commission that will review the background of police officials.

The commission, Marcos said, will look into the records of all the officers as the administration slowly reinstates those who are cleared of any drug links and build cases against those found involved in the drug trade.

“So tiyakin natin kung magkakaso tayo ipapanalo talaga natin at makukulong talaga kung sino man ang mga napatunayan na kasabwat dito sa drug trade,” the President said.

Abalos asked on Wednesday all police officials from the rank of full colonel up to generals to submit their courtesy resignation as part of the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.

The interior chief said that the courtesy resignation of all PNP senior officials is also an essential part of the government's efforts to win back the trust and confidence of the people in the PNP and the fight against illegal drugs. (PND)