By CESAR JOLITO III
The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has administratively relieved the provincial director of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NORPPO) in the wake of a recent shooting incident involving police officers in Sibulan town, while assuring the public that police operations remain stable and uninterrupted.
PRO-NIR confirmed that Police Colonel Criscent Tiguelo was relieved from his post as NORPPO director effective immediately.
The relief, according to the regional command, is administrative in nature and was implemented in line with the Philippine National Police’s command responsibility and established procedures.
“The designation ensures uninterrupted police services and strict oversight of operations in Negros Oriental,” PRO-NIR said, adding that law enforcement duties in the province continue as normal.
Police officials said the move aims to protect public trust and ensure that ongoing processes and inquiries related to recent incidents can proceed without interference or any perceived influence from the provincial leadership.
To maintain continuity of command and operational stability, PRO-NIR designated Police Colonel Lito Patay, deputy regional director for operations, as NORPPO officer-in-charge, also effective January 12.
Patay’s appointment places him in charge of supervising all police units in the province while the administrative process is underway.
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, PRO-NIR Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay reminded all police personnel to strictly adhere to the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Ethical Doctrine, particularly in light of the recent shooting incident that claimed the lives of police officers and a civilian.
Ibay cited Section 3.1 of the PNP Ethical Doctrine, which requires police officers to uphold the highest standards of morality, decency and professionalism at all times.
The provision also prohibits PNP members from being involved in or tolerating illegal gambling, vice-related establishments and similar activities, unless on official duty.
The regional director stressed that police officers are held to higher ethical standards because of the authority and trust granted to them by the public, warning that misconduct — whether on or off duty — that undermines integrity and discipline will not be tolerated.
“Ethical accountability goes hand in hand with legal accountability,” Ibay said, noting that strict observance of ethical rules is essential in preventing incidents that endanger lives and erode public confidence in the police.
PRO-NIR reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, and directed all unit commanders to ensure that ethical standards are clearly communicated and strictly enforced across all police units in NIR./CJ, WDJ