ILOILO CITY, Philippines — At least 24 chiefs of police in Iloilo province were taken out from their post before the start of the election period on January 13, confirmed the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
Senior Supt. Gil Lebin, IPPO director, said the decided, in concurrence with the hierarchy of the Police Regional Office-Region 6, to relieve 24 commanders in Iloilo’s 42 towns and one component city for various reasons.
Some officials were already overstaying or have exceeded the usual two-year tour of duty, Lebin said. “But most of them will be reshuffled for election purposes. Some have grown familiar to political candidates while others have relatives who are seeking elective posts,†he said.
Lebin clarified that he just wanted to avoid accusations that his policemen have biases to any candidates or political groups.
Newly-assigned officers will hold on to their new position in an officer-in-charge capacity. Even if the local chief executives would offer resistance, Lebin is bent on carrying the plan. “Since OIC lang sila, the mayors don’t have to concur. If they would not allow the movement, it would also show their colors,†he added.
Aside from the 24 police chiefs, other non-commissioned officers will also be affected by the revamp. (FREEMAN)