No Reshuffling of Chiefs of Police, Says Aklan PNP

By Boy Ryan B. Zabal

Eight out of 17 towns of Aklan might have new chiefs of police after elected mayors of their respective towns assumed office on July 1.
Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana, Jr. Aklan PNP provincial director, stressed the need to put permanency in the status of chiefs of police in Aklan. He wished to strengthen the management of Aklan Provincial Police Office (APPO).
"The chief executives are partners of APPO in the provision of peace and order. When the new mayors assumed office on July 1, the APPO submits recommendees to fill up the officer-in-charge status in those towns," he said in a radio interview.
Durana identified those towns as Buruanga, Tangalan, Malay, Banga, Libacao, Altavas and New Washington that most likely to ask for a new chief of police from the APPO. However, he belied the reshuffling of officers to effect changes in the eight municipalities.
"We have to consult the mayors in the designation of a new chief of police with the rank of Inspector. By operations of law, APPO could recommend five police officers where the mayor may select," he added.
There are reports that some policemen has requested for immediate transfer for fear of reprisal from the newly elected mayor.
But, Durana said, APPO personnel are apolitical and professional in dealing with police matters in the recently concluded May 14, 2007 elections.
"They are more qualified to handle managerial and administrative functions as a chief of police in case they are designated by the local executives," he pointed out. /MP