Police officers march at the Philippine National Police grounds in Camp Crame in Quezon City. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA
LEGAZPI CITY––General Dionardo Carlos, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, has directed the replacement of three provincial police directors and a city police chief in the Bicol region in preparation for the national and local elections in May.
The relief order took effect Friday, Jan. 7, for police heads in Albay, Masbate, Catanduanes, and Naga City.
Colonels Arnold Santiago, provincial director of Albay police; Brian Castillo, PD of Catanduanes police; Joriz A Cantoria, PD of Masbate police; and Marlon Catan, Naga City police director, were relieved of their posts.
These were in line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)’s granting the PNP chief the power to carry out guidelines and procedures in securing the conduct of the May elections, Carlos said.
Taking over their posts are Colonels Byron Tabernilla, acting provincial director (APD) of Albay; Benjamin Balingbing, APD of Catanduanes police; Rolly Albaña, APD of Masbate police; and Nelson Pacalso, acting city director of Naga City police.
The DILG guidelines include the power to direct and control the strategic movements, deployment, and placement of its personnel assigned in various administrative and operational units.
The measure ensures neutrality and non-partisanship among police officers, particularly those whose relatives are running for an electoral seat.
Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Bicol police director, welcomed on Jan. 10 the newly designated APDs.
Estomo said the movement would continuously improve the performance of police officers with utmost professionalism and integrity.