CIDG-7 chief out

CEBU, Philippines — Colonel Lito Patay, the head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas (CIDG-7), has been relieved from his post following the controversial raid on a Chinese online gaming firm in Lapu-Lapu City earlier this month.

Police Regional Office-7 director Brigadier General Debold Sinas said Patay was replaced by Colonel Rommel Ochave, who immediately visited Sinas’ office to discuss things he needed for his takeover.

Patay, according to Sinas, is set to occupy another regional office.

“I think Lito Patay will be occupying another regional office, that’s what I’ve learned. Either in Region 1… I do not know,” the police regional director said.

Sinas explained that he went to the CIDG-7 office upon hearing the report of the swapping of assignments between Patay and Ochave, saying the latter is already in Cebu.

Belonging to Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) class of 1996, Ochave has several classmates who were assigned at the PRO-7, a thing Sinas think would be a good sign for a harmonious work with Ochave.

“He is also a professional officer. And we welcome him into the PRO-7 team.” Sinas said.

Sinas said Patay’s relief has something to do with the raid on the Chinese online gaming company in Lapu-Lapu City.

During the September 7 operation by the CIDG-7 operatives, at least 181 Chinese national were arrested. However, those arrested were later released since the pieces of evidence presented against them were ‘weak.’

“I think that was the reason for his relief, di nako mamakak para di na mo (reporters) mag hunahuna. That was the reason behind the relief.” Sinas said. He did not elaborate further.

But he clarified that the decision behind Patay’s relief was from the CIDG’s director. —  LPM (FREEMAN)