Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Monday, January 9, said they support the call of Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. for police colonels and generals to file their courtesy resignations in an effort to help purge the Philippine National Police (PNP) of cops involved in the illegal drug trade.
Lacson said PCol. Leo Pamitan, Negros Occidental police director, has not informed him yet if he has tendered his courtesy resignation.
“I also want to talk to him to ask if he already submitted his courtesy resignation,” he said.
Lacson said Pamitan should follow the call of his superiors.
He said the call of Abalos for the courtesy resignations is still part of the war against drugs.
“I understand they actually have names of these PNP officials” linked to the drug trade, he said.
What is important is that it will redound to the reduction of illegal drugs in the country, Lacson said.
Benitez said the League of Cities of the Philippines, which he chairs, has also aired their support for the call of Abalos.
Bacolod City Director, Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, has already submitted his courtesy resignation.*