The Philippine police had sacked nearly 100 policemen since the start of the year because they were found to be drug users, a top official said Saturday, in a clean-up of the ranks after President Rodrigo Duterte halted police anti-drug operations.

Ninety police officers had been fired since the start of the year and nine were removed last year, Internal Affairs Service Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said in comments broadcast on ANC TV.

"Those caught using illegal drugs, according to the civil service rules, must be dismissed...that is a grave offence," he said, adding that he had promised the chief of police that he would quickly resolve outstanding cases.

Triambulo said he would recommend next week the dismissal of 40 more policemen to the chief of police.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team