General Alba says transfer was “career advancement”

CEBU, Philippines — Police Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba said that his sudden relief as the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7) Chief was a "career advancement" and debunked other speculations, including his alleged failure to address e-sabong operations in the region.

Alba made the statement at the ceremonial turnover of office at the PRO-7 headquarters last Tuesday.

When asked if he was shocked by his immediate transfer, he said it was normal in a highly professional organization, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"As good policemen and officers that we are, we are always mandated to follow kung ano yung instructions sa amin. I guess there are better plans for me in my personal capacity and career as a police officer," said Alba.

Alba was appointed as the PRO-7 chief last October 12 this year, and was released from the post last Monday, December 19, or roughly about spending two months in service.

Based on the special order released by the PNP national headquarters, he will be transferred to the Directorate for Human Resource Development Division in Camp Crame.

Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General Jerry Fornaleza Bearis takes over his role as the PRO-7 chief.

Behind the abrupt announcement, many speculations were raised, including the recent involvement of a police officer in robbery incidents in Bohol and the recurrence of e-sabong (online cockfight) operations in Central Visayas.

Alba denied these rumors and showcased that the PRO-7 was among the top police stations in addressing e-sabong operations and reiterated the transparency in his leadership.

"I don't think so, yung sa Bohol, we immediately acted on it.  In fact, dahil sa program natin there are no sacred cows kita yung transparency ng ating leadership. We immediately made an arrest when the information was given to us," said Alba.

"Itong sinasabing sa e-sabong, I just want to report na mataas po ang accomplishment ng PRO-7," he added.

In their recent record, there were at least 283 individuals arrested in Central Visayas, mostly bettors of e-sabong from December 5 to 10.

Among his programs, Alba was mostly known for his 4Cs initiative (Connectivity, Critical Thinking, Capability Enhancement, and Cleansing).

Also, it was during his term that PRO-7 ranked first in a four-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO) in November and ranked fifth from 15th during October's Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER).

He said these are some of his greatest achievements and that he will be leaving PRO-7 with his head held high with sincere honor. —Romeo D. Marantal (FREEMAN)