Iloilo police chief relieved over conflict of interest amid elections —PNP

Iloilo Provincial Police Office director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan has been relieved from his post over conflict of interest in the midterm elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

“‘Yung ating provincial director, hindi po dahil sa insidente siya ay tinanggal, dahil sa ni-report po ng regional director ng Police Regional Office 6 na maaari maging political ang stand ng mga commanders po," PNP public information office head Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño said in a press conference.

(Our provincial director was not removed because of an incident, but because the PRO6 director reported that the commanders' stand could be political.)

PRO6 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis told GMA News Online that Razalan’s relief will need clearance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before implementation.

“May request letter na ang PRO6 addressed to Comelec requesting clearance na i-relieved si Sir [Provincial Director]. Waiting tayo ng clearance from the Comelec,” he said in a message.

(PRO6 already has a request letter addressed to Comelec requesting clearance to relieve the Provincial Director. We are waiting for clearance from the Comelec.)

Tuaño said that more police officials may be relieved from their posts depending on the assessment of regional directors.

“Kapag po sa assessment po ng ating mga regional directors na hindi niya magagampan ng mga tao natin na maging apolitical sa pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga duties, sila po ay temporarily aalisin sa kanilang mga puwesto,” he added.

(If our regional directors assess that our personnel cannot be apolitical in doing their duties, they will be temporarily removed from their positions.)

In February, PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil warned cops from engaging in partisan politics, citing harsh sanctions to violators.

"Any active PNP member proven to be involved in partisan political activities will face sanctions, including possible dismissal, in accordance with existing policies and regulations,” he earlier said. —AOL, GMA Integrated News

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