A town’s top cop gets replaced as Catanduanes police probe the performance of the Virac Municipal Police Station (MPS) following a robbery just days before the 2025 midterm elections.

The chief of the Virac MPS was relieved from his post following the robbery on May 6, 2025 in Barangay Hicming, according to the Catanduanes Police Provincial Office (CATPPO).

PLtCol Louie Manuel Dela Peña, the Deputy Provincial Director for Administration, has taken over as Officer-in-Charge of Virac MPS while investigation is ongoing.

“Relative to the robbery hold-up with intimidation incident that transpired on May 6, 2025 at Barangay Hicming, Virac, Catanduanes…. [the] COP [of] Virac MPS has been relieved from his post as the investigation continues,” PLtCol Rosalinda Gaston, spokesperson for CATPPO, said.

She confirmed that the CATPPO is reviewing the performance of the Virac Municipal Police Station as part of efforts to improve law enforcement in the area.

“Para sa mas ikakagandang serbisyo publiko sa pagpapatupad ng seguridad at katahimikan ng Virac, kasabay ng nire-review ng CATPPO ang performance ng Virac MPS,” Gaston added.

Despite the change in leadership, authorities said operations in Virac remain stable.

“The overall operation of Virac MPS remains manageable, especially in terms of security of the entire municipality of Virac,” Gaston said.

This development comes as Catanduanes prepares for the May 12 national and local elections. Gaston assured the public that security forces are fully prepared.

“Ang buong hanay ng Catanduanes Police Provincial Office ay handang-handa na sa nalalapit na National and Local Elections ngayong May 12, 2025,” she said.

A total of 840 personnel have been deployed across the province, including 611 from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and 229 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

These teams are stationed in voting centers, the Treasurer’s Office, and assigned to quick reaction units.

The province remains under the Green Category based on COMELEC’s areas of concern, which means it is generally peaceful.

Gaston ended by appealing to residents to stay involved and cooperate with police.

“Tinitiyak ng CATPPO sa pamumuno ng aming PD na si PCOL Edward Quijano ang mapayapang halalan... kami po ay nananawagan sa publiko na makiisa sa hangarin ng ating kapulisan na maisakatuparan ang isang ligtas, tahimik, at malinis na halalan,” she said.