At least 24 chiefs of police in Iloilo province will be taken out of their posts before the start of the election period on January 13, confirmed the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

Senior Supt. Gil Lebin, IPPO director, said that he decided, in concurrence with the hierarchy of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, to relieve 24 commanders in Iloilo’s 42 towns and one component city (see table) for various reasons.

Some officers are 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 post,” he added.

Lebin clarified that he just wanted to avert accusations that his policemen have biases to any candidates or political groups.

As of yesterday afternoon, the order for the mass relief is yet to be signed but affected policemen were already advised of the movement.

They would hold on to their new position in an officer-in-charge capacity.

These police officials are: Chief Insp. Bonifacio Ancajas, Chief Insp. Rogelio Ortigas, Chief Insp. Rogen Morales, Chief Insp. Avelino Natal, Chief Insp. Wilfredo Rios, Chief Insp. Elmer Armada, Senior Insp. Gervinson Moyo, Senior Insp. Vicente Vicente, Senior Insp. Ariel Corcino, Senior Insp. Danny Lamera, Senior Insp. Edyliz Ritche Crucero, Senior Insp. Efren Niembra, Senior Insp. Fernand Limbungan, Senior Insp. Jonathan Pinuela, Senior Insp. Rodelon Betita, Senior Insp. Ariel Artillero, Senior Insp. Arnel Solis, Senior Insp. Ronan Teñala, Senior Insp. Alejandro, Jr., Insp. Samuel Vipinosa, Insp. Ramon Coriana, Jr., Insp. Bonifacio Alabe, Jr., and Insp. Janelo Gepana.

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. Nga-a indi sila gusto nga maghalin? Because of protection?” he quipped.

It was gathered that there are non-commissioned officers who will also be affected by the revamp.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio, Iloilo City police chief, said that there is no plan to reshuffle chiefs of police and section heads in the area.

“Mga bago pa lang sila sa posisyon. They’ve been performing okay,” he said.

Valerio also noted that none of the key officers have relatives, either by consanguinity or affinity who are running for an elective post.*