By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least 269 police officers of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) were relieved in preparation for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in the province.

NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo, said among those relieved were 268 police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs) and a police commissioned officer (PCO).

Catalogo said the relieved police personnel are intended to safeguard peace and order for the polls, and to comply with the Omnibus Election Code.

They have been reassigned to other local government units in Negros Occidental.

Catalogo said the relieved personnel will return to their previous areas of assignments after the election period, as the NOCPPO’s directive is only temporary.

As part of compliance with the non-partisan rule, Catalogo said Silay City police chief, Lt. Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca was relieved.

Darroca has been reassigned to NOCPPO headquarters at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano, Sr. in Bacolod City’s Barangay Estefania.

He was replaced by Police Major Rhea Sara Villanueva.

Earlier, NOCPPO director, Police Colonel Leo Pamittan said police personnel who have relatives running for various positions in their locality for the upcoming BSKE will be reassigned to other areas.

NOCPPO has a total of 1,400 personnel assigned to different towns and cities across the province, and to the Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Pamittan said they are not monitoring any private armed groups in the province.

He also gave assurance that they would have enough personnel to impose security measures during the polls.

The campaign period for BSKE will be from October 19 to 28, while election day will be on October 30./DGB, WDJ