NEWS RELEASE
06 JANUARY 2023
CUA HAILS PNP CHIEF AZURIN, ET AL FOR RESIGNATION FOLLOWING DILG SEC. ABALOS' APPEAL TO ADDRESS DRUG PROBLEM AMONG PNP TOP BRASS
Quirino governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president Dax Cua hailed the leadership of the Philippine National Police for heeding the appeal of Interior secretary Benhur Abalos for them to resign.
"We must give credit to PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. and his associates for heeding Sec. Abalos' call for them to tender their courtesy resignations. Ipinapakita nito na kaisa sila sa layunin na maresolba ang drug problem ng bansa," said Cua.
"These officers and gentlemen bring pride and honor to their badge—mas mahalaga para sa kanila ang paglutas sa problema ng bansa kaysa mga posisyon na hawak nila," he added.
Azurin on Thursday announced that he, along with his entire command group, had tendered their courtesy resignation following Abalos' appeal, which he made in a bid to address alleged links of the PNP's top brass to illicit drugs.
The governor also lauded Abalos for his courage and humility.
"It takes courage and humility to ask what he asked of our police, knowing that he might gain enemies in the process," he said.
"This is an issue that transcends personal and career reasons. Tinatawag po tayo ng bansa natin na magsakripisyo upang malutas ang halimaw ng droga na bumibiktima sa ating mga kababayan," said the governor.
The ULAP had also earlier released a statement supporting the call for resignation.
The umbrella organization of all leagues of local government units (LGUs) and locally elected government officials in the country emphasized that in tackling the drug issue, "the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and responsibility in public service should be upheld and the rule of law and justice must prevail."
"Drug abuse is a complex problem prevailing at the intersection of public health, safety and social issues. It has evolved into a chronic health disorder that takes a heavy toll on our families and communities, and must therefore be resolved through strategic and targeted measures within the framework of the law," the ULAP statement also said.
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Ref:
Miriam J. Padua
ULAP External Partnerships Manager
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Mobile: (+639) 36 592 3347
Landline: (02) 534-6789
