Peaceful Sinulog tops De Leon’s feats

CEBU, Philippines — Few days after his unceremonious relief as Police Regional Office-7 commander, Brigadier General Valeriano De Leon formally bade farewell to the men and women of the Philippine National Police in Central Visayas during the traditional flag raising ceremony at the regional police headquarters yesterday.

De Leon was given the opportunity to deliver a report of his accomplishments during the more than three months that he was at the helm of PRO-7. Number one on his list was the successful Sinulog 2020 celebrations.

"I told Santo Niño, I won't mind if I will be relieved, just make the Sinulog peaceful. I think it was the first time that there was zero crime incident during the Sinulog and I am very happy about it," De Leon said.

He also reported an estimated P317 million worth of shabu and P40 million of marijuana were confiscated during the three months and 20 days that he was commander of PRO-7. He said there were 1,513 wanted persons arrested and 2,284 persons were arrested for illegal gambling.

De Leon was suddenly replaced by his classmate, Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, last week. The relief order was signed by PNP Chief Archie Gamboa.

It was not stated in the order the reason of his relief, but De Leon admitted he believes it has something to do with the earlier relief of his three senior officials who were found violating the directive against playing golf on weekdays.

Despite what happened, De Leon said he was not upset as he still has a career ahead before his retirement three years from now.

"No hard feelings. Orders have to be followed, orders must be complied. As a good soldier I have to follow," De Leon said.

De Leon was ordered to report to the office of the PNP chief in Camp Crame. He will be on a floating status. (FREEMAN)