ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Twenty-three chiefs of police in Western Visayas were ordered to undergo summary hearing procedures due to their failure to conduct at least one successful operation against illegal drugs or even arrest one suspect.
Chief Superintendent Bernardo Diaz, Police Regional Office-6 director, said the 23 were among the 36 chiefs of police with “zero accomplishment” against illegal drugs from January to July 2015. The 13 others were however absolved from similar charges.
The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division has yet to release the assignment of the 23, while they are under investigation. Their assignment could either be their previous or present area of jurisdiction.
Diaz said the 23 police officials could be charged with grave misconduct. “If proven guilty, we could not say that they would be dismissed from the service. That’s too much of a punishment,” he said.
“I assure you, this has gone through due process,” Diaz said, but hinted that they could be relieved from their post while their cases are being heard.
On the other hand, 13 chiefs of police were however absolved after they presented meritorious reason why they failed to lead a buy bust or implemented search warrants against illegal drugs. “They were absolved because they only held on to the post on June or July,” Diaz said.
This development should serve as a reminder to all policemen of their mandate. “The people expect them to work. They should deliver,” he said.
Of the 36 police units put under probe, 13 were in Iloilo province, nine in Aklan, five each in Negros Occidental and Antique provinces, three in Capiz, and one in Guimaras.
The RIDMD identified the 23 chiefs of police, facing administrative charges, as:
Chief Inspectors Alejandro Apostol, Jr. of Sara town in Iloilo; Cecilia Hulleza (San Enrique, Iloilo); and Aaron Palomo (Calinog, Iloilo);
Senior Inspectors Joven Arevalo of Batad town in Iloilo); Ronnie Brillo (Ajuy,Iloilo); Ciriaco Esquilarga; Abner Jordan (San Joaquin, Iloilo); Jesus Mesahon, Jr. (Don Salvador Benedico, Negros Occidental); Norlan Perante (Guimbal, Iloilo); Allan Reloj (Pulupandan, Negros Occidental); Jereme Belo; Conrado Rances III (E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental); Jose Nemias Pamplona (New Lucena, Iloilo); Norbert Sipole (Leon, Iloilo); and Daniel Robles (Maasin, Iloilo);
Inspectors Herminiano Abines of Buruanga town in Aklan); Edwin Belarmino (Sibunag, Guimaras); Henry Gaborno (Igbaras, Iloilo); Glen Jaromay; Menrico Candaliza (San Miguel, Iloilo); Juanito Santianes (Belison, Antique); Ryan Dionisio Panadero; and Ruby Magallanes. (FREEMAN)