Top PRO-7 official relieved 3 days before Sinulog
PNP-7's top official Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino has been sacked by Camp Crame, the police headquarters in Manila, amid controversies on his alleged involvement in illegal gambling operations. The Freeman, file
The Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame has ordered the relief of the top official of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), along with 12 other police officials, effective today.
Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino is directed to report to PRO-10 in Northern Mindanao "as soon as possible via shortest route by any means of transportation."
His relief comes three days before Cebu City marks its annual Sinulog Festival.
Chief Superintendent Robert Quenery from Cagayan Valley region will succeed Espino.
Espino assumed post last July 17, replacing Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño, who is also among the 12 reassigned officials.
Under the order dated January 18, Taliño will assume post as chief of the PNP Special Armed Forces (SAF).
Espino's leadership was marked by several issues such as allegations that he solicited payola from illegal gambling operators.
A letter addressed to the media alleged that Espino met with illegal gambling operators and demanded a P500,000 weekly payola.
However, Espino denied the issues and dismissed these as mere gossip. /JMD
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