49 Western Visayas cops relieved on drug-linked offenses

Philippine National Police officers . (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

ILOILO CITY — At least 49 police officers in Western Visayas were relieved from their posts pending investigation on various offenses related to illegal drugs.

The relief order took effect on July 8 but was announced by Supt. Gilbert Gorero, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6) based in Iloilo City.

“These PNP members will be subjected to Character Aptitude Development Enhancement Training or CADET in the regional headquarters,” Gorero confirmed.

The Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) had the most number of relieved policemen with 13 each.

Nine of those relieved came from the Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO), eight from the Antique Provincial Police Office, three from Guimaras Provincial Police Office (GPPO), two from Capiz Provincial Police Office (CPPO), and one from the PRO-6 Regional Headquarters Command.

Gorero said these policemen would be investigated for allegations that were drug-related.

These included delayed action on drug  suspects and cases as well as accepting gifts and monetary reward from drug personalities.

“If you are a police personnel, you should not accept anything in exchange of personal favor. We want our policemen  from PO1 to higher ranking officers to understand this,” Gorero explained.

Our regional director (Chief Supt. Jose Gentiles)  wants our police personnel to perform their duties for the good of other people,” he added.  SFM