The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has laid out the security plan four days to the 2025 midterm elections. However, upon further monitoring, three chiefs of police were relieved from their post.
Police Major Kenn Albert Lepsia of Dumangas Municipal Police Station was replaced by Police Major Harold Rendora from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Headquarters.
Police Captain Cedric Cruz, chief of Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station, was replaced by Police Captain Johnny Oro from Carles Municipal Police Station.
In addition, Police Lieutenant Colonel Lumyaen Lidawan, chief of Roxas City Police Station in the Province of Capiz, was replaced by Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad, Jr.
According to PRO 6, the relief order is meant to thwart any possibility that the police personnel will be used by political parties and candidates.
“Ito naman ay nilalayo lang natin sila kasi ito yung mga nakikita natin na merong mga potential na mga officers na possible na magamit,” PRO 6 Director, Brigadier General Jack Wanky pointed out.
According to Wanky, further reshuffling is probable.
He said he makes the recommendation to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on relief orders.
“Ang inilagay nila is exigency of service. Inilagay na kailangan sa serbisyo na i-transfer,” said COMELEC 6 Director, Atty. Dennis Ausan.
Despite the reshuffling, the IPPO and Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) assured that this will not affect the security and deployment plan of personnel.
“Wala naman itong malaking impact dahil in place na ang ating mga security deployment,” according to Police Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson.
“Nagpalitan lang sila for the mean time for the election period. Tingnan lang natin kung anong mangyayari after the election period,” Police Captain Merry Chris de la Cruz, spokesperson of CPPO, said.
Recently, PRO 6 recommended the relief of IPPO Director, Colonel Bayani Razalan, despite the ongoing election period.
However, as of this writing, the COMELEC has not issued a clearance yet on the matter, PRO 6 disclosed.
