By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered the relief of 11 police officers from the Police Regional Office-1 (Ilocos Region) over alleged underperformance, particularly in operations against illegal gambling.
In Special Order No. 2026-3918 dated April 27, obtained by the Philippine News Agency, those relieved included the PRO-1 intelligence chief, the head of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office’s intelligence division, and the director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office.
Also relieved were the chiefs of police of San Carlos and Urdaneta cities, and the municipalities of Calasiao, Rosales, Laoac, Manaoag, Mapandan, Infanta, all in Pangasinan.
Speaking at a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the move followed a review of the officers’ accomplishments in their respective anti-illegal gambling campaigns.
He said the officers were reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit at Camp Crame while undergoing administrative investigation by the PNP National Headquarters.
“Nagkulang sa operational targets nila kaugnay sa nasabing usapin (They failed to meet their operational targets on the matter),” Tuaño said.
Tuaño added PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed regional directors to conduct both operational and administrative reviews of provincial directors and chiefs of police to ensure performance standards are met.
He said the directive is part of a broader effort to enforce accountability within the police force and open opportunities for other qualified officers who can meet leadership expectations. (PNA)
