By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) recently relieved 20 Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) personnel over suspected involvement with illegal activity.

Based on an order dated June 1, 2018, the 20 officers were directed to report to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).

PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Superintendent Joem Malong, refused to identify the relieved personnel saying, “There is an ongoing investigation.”

She also would not disclose whether the relieved officers were involved in illegal drugs or illegal gambling but, noted, the regional headquarters will be validating the allegations.

Malong added, there may be another batch of police officers relieved of duty.

BCPO spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, meanwhile, called the actions “part of the intensive internal cleansing of the Philippine National Police (PNP).”

“The relief of these personnel is part of the standard operating procedure so that the investigation conducted against them will not be influenced,” Vargas explained. “The PNP does not tolerate personnel who still continue their rogue actions in spite of continuous reminders.”

She added, officers with poor performances will likewise be sanctioned./DGB, WDJ