Revamp of Molo PNP seen

By Maricar M. Calubiran

City Mayor Jerry Treñas confirmed that additional personnel from Molo Police Precinct would be relieved in the coming days amid reports linking some cops to illegal drugs, illegal number games and video karera.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas

Treñas, in an interview with the Iloilo City Hall Press Corps Friday, however said that the revamp is merely routinary.

He said, this is to avoid familiarization of the police with criminals in their areas.

Treñas said the familiarity of cops with criminals in their area usually affect their drive against any forms of criminalities.

He added that even police precinct commanders and traffic aides are being rotated.

“It is already a part of their work.. The cops have no fixed assignment, they could be transferred in different places any time,” the city's chief executive explained.
 
The mayor said the revamp would only affect police personnel with questionable records. He refused to identify who would be relieved from Molo PNP or who stays.

When asked of the possible negative reaction with regard to the impending revamp of Molo PNP, Treñas simply said that the people as well as the media should just take a closer look on the background of the policemen who would be relieved from their post.

The city mayor added that he does not intervene with the deployment of police personnel in the city except when there are mounting complaints against them. “I always give leeway to the city director to do the job,” he said.

Recently, the mayor received a complaint from Molo residents on the alleged involvement of cops in illegal activities. The complainants asked for the total relief of police personnel and replacement of new police graduates.

Meanwhile, Treñas doubts the alleged presence of a vigilante group who are out to liquidate police officials allegedly protecting illegal drug pushers. Reportedly, the names of suspected big time drug pushers are also in the list of the alleged vigilante group.