By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) yesterday confirmed former Ozamiz City police chief, Police Lt. Colonel Jovie Espenido, will be assigned under the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO). The law enforcement official previously made headlines following high-profile deaths in jurisdictions he led, including Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog in 2017 and Rolando Espinosa, mayor of Albuera, Leyte, in 2016.
Both were allegedly involved in illegal drug activity.
PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, said Espenido’s reassignment took effect last October 4, noting, he will probably serve as a station commander in the city but can become a city police chief if he is promoted.
A rank of police colonel is required to serve as director for a highly-urbanized city.
Espenido was previously considered for Iloilo City police chief in 2017, when former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog was still in office.
Malong also said Espenido has yet to report to PRO-6 headquarters as the turnover ceremony in Ozamiz City only took place yesterday.
BCPO director, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, meanwhile, said they have yet to discuss where Espenido will be assigned once he arrives in the city./DGB, WDJ