By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. came to the defense of relieved Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent William Señoron, Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) director, Police Chief Superintendent Renato Gumban, said, “The governor is entitled to his own opinion.”
During an interview yesterday morning, the PRO-18 chief said, with Señoron removed from his post, the governor has the opportunity to choose his own police director.
Gumban added, based on statements from former Berya drug group member Ricky Serenio, during his time as NOPPO director, Señoron did very little towards the campaign against illegal drugs in the province.
“This is grounds for grave misconduct,” Gumban explained.
He pointed out, if found guilty, Señoron faces suspension.
Meanwhile, Gumban said current NOPPO acting director Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr. could still be replaced once Marañon finds a permanent replacement.
Gumban said, aside from Castil, the national headquarters will recommend three other possible replacements.
Earlier this month, Señoron was relieved from his post after he was accused by Serenio of allegedly receiving protection money from Negros Occidental druglords.
The Berya drug group bagman also claimed Señoron has links to slain Iloilo druglord Melvin Odicta, Sr. while serving as head of the Regional Intelligence Unit in Region 6.
Señoron has since denied the allegations and blamed Moises Padilla Mayor Magdaleno Peña, claiming he encouraged Serenio to testify.
The former NOPPO director is currently assigned under the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU) in Camp Crame, while the Regional Internal Affairs Services (RIAS) is conducting a probe./WDJ