PRO-8 implements revamp of officials

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines — During the first ten days of this months, 69 police officials in Eastern Visayas were affected by the first wave of revamp implemented by the Police Regional Office-8, headed by its regional director, Chief Superintendent Erwin Villacorte.

Among them was Senior Supt. Ramil Ramirez who was appointed Taguig City Police director, leaving his post as PRO-8 Operations Division chief and replaced by Senior Supt. Felix Diloy, who also left as chief of the PRO-8 Personnel and Human Resources Division.

Another top official relieved from his six-month-old position was Senior Supt. Nicerio Obaob, director of the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office and reassigned to the PRO-8 headquarters on “floating status.” He was replaced by Senior Supt. Nelson Eucogco during a turnover of command ceremony on Wednesday.

In Calbayog City, Supt. Ernesto Tagle was relieved from his post as City Police chief, reportedly due to a series of killings there months ago, and was also put on “floating status” at the PRO-8. Chief Inspector Elmer Vergara took over Tagle’s post in another ceremony on Tuesday.

Earlier, Senior Supt. Dennis Cabagnot was taken from the National Capital Region and appointed director of the Samar Police Provincial Office, replacing Senior Supt. Elmer Pelobello.

Villacorte clarified to The Freeman that the revamp had nothing to do with any political favors, but part of a routine preparations and personnel movement for the coming national and local elections in May.

“This is part of our redeployment of troops all over the region. Some also has been in their posts for more than two years, while others have to be removed for some reasons to have a more effective and efficient law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the region,” Villacorte said.

There were reports that, by next week, a second phase of revamp or reshuffling of police officials will be implemented, pending the decisions for new appointments by the Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board in Camp Crame.

Observers said the deployment of troops has been focusing on Samar island provinces due to the presence of private armed groups, intense political rivalries, and election-related violence in those areas.

The other week, a Special Action Force was deployed to Calbayog City to help the troops in the campaign against PAGs and to stop the killing incidents.

Police officials noted the perception among religious leaders that the police have not done anything to address and prevent these killings, particularly those involving PAGs leaders and political leaders in the 1st district of Samar.

During the Regional Joint Security Center Coordinating Council conference, the PRO-8 had identified seven PAGs actively operating in that area.   (FREEMAN)