By Nancy Carvajal
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could’ve been misled into accepting the resignation of 18 ranking Philippine National Police (PNP) officers linked to illegal drug activities because they supposedly didn’t submit any letter to that effect.
An Iskooper told Politiko that none of the 18 cops submitted a resignation letter, contrary to the pronouncement of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
“The President might’ve been misled,” the Iskooper said. “There’s no truth to the claim that they submitted their courtesy resignation. What they signed was an undertaking for cooperation in an investigation.”
The Iskooper said the “master letter” or template signed by the 18 police officers was clear that they would only resign if their involvement in the illegal drug trade was confirmed.
“Thus in response to this appeal, I am opening myself to any investigation including the scrutiny of the five -man committee created for this purpose. If my involvement in any illegal drug activities will be established based on evidence, I will submit my unqualified courtesy resignation or optional requirement whichever is applicable under the circumstances and as authorized by existing laws, rules and regulations, without prejudice of filing appropriate case against me for violation of Republic Act 9165 as amended and other related cases, if evidence so warrants,” a portion of the letter read.
The PCO announced on Tuesday that Marcos accepted the resignation of 18 ranking PNP officers as part of efforts to clean up the police force. These cops are:
– PBGen Remus Balingasa Medina
– PBGen Randy Quines Peralta
– PBGen Pablo Gacayan Labra II
– PCol Rogarth Bulalacao Campo
– PCol Rommel Javier Ochave
– PCol Rommel Allaga Velasco
– PCol Robin King Sarmiento
– PCol Fernando Reyes Ortega
– PCol Rex Ordoño Derilo
– PCol Julian Tesorero Olonan
– PCol Rolando Tapon Portera
– PCol Lawrence Bonifacio Cajipe
– PCol Dario Milagrosa Menor
– PCol Joel Kagayed Tampis
– PCol Michael Arcillas David
– PCol. Igmedio Belonio Bernaldez
– PCol. Rodolfo Calope Albotra Jr
– PCol. Marvin Barba Sanchez
The Iskooper said it was premature to announce the supposed resignation of the police officers, who are supposedly planning legal action.
“There’s an inclination among the police officials to contest the order and stop the implementation of termination of service, possibly a temporary restraining order (TRO),” the Iskooper said.
