PRO-6's Querol to be replaced?

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — Will Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr. finally bid adieu to the Police Regional Office-6 sooner than expected?

For several months already, the rumor mill has hinted that Querol will be relieved as PRO-6 director but no movement took place.

Yesterday, though, Querol confirmed that he is expecting to be replaced here for a higher post in the PNP. “I’ve been expecting that since there are a lot of higher positions vacated in the PNP,” he said.

Reports had it that the relief order might be effective on July 15 but Querol said that nothing is definite yet. “It could happen later or it could also be earlier than that,” he said.

Based on what was initially relayed to him, Querol could occupy a two-star police rank post, which might be in one of the directorates at the PNP National Headquarters.

Other reports said that Querol might take over the highest post at the Special Action Force (SAF) or the PNP Directorate for Operations (DIPO).

Querol however said the SAF is quite vague since its current chief is not yet due for relief or retirement. “I’m open to any position. I’m just waiting for my order. It’s not for me to choose what position shall I occupy,” he added.

With Querol’s possible exit from PRO-6, several names have been floated as his possible successor.

The list allegedly included Chief Supt. Catalino Rodriguez, Querol’s batchmate at the PMA Class 1981 who is now the deputy regional director for administration of PRO-10.

Others are former PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, a member of PMA Class 82 and is now the chief of the Directorate for Police Community Relations, and Chief Supt. Gil Hitosis, a member of PMA Class 81 and deputy chief of the DPCR.

But Querol said there are a lot of other senior officers being considered to replace him.  (FREEMAN)