Philippine Police Officers Urged To Resign Amid Drug Trade

The Philippine interior minister has urged hundreds of top-ranking police to resign.

The police have been waging an anti-narcotics campaign launched by former president Rodrigo Duterte and continued by his successor Ferdinand Marcos.

On Wednesday, interior secretary Benjamin Abalos urged all colonels and generals to offer “courtesy” resignations after a probe found a “handful” were involved in narcotics.

Abalos added that they could continue working while their records were assessed by a five-member committee. Those found guilty would have their resignations accepted.

In a statement, he said; “If you’re not involved, there’s nothing to worry about. Anyone who did not tender their resignation would be questionable.”

In the past six months, authorities have confiscated $179m worth of methamphetamine, including a record seizure of 990kg (2,183 pounds).