PNP reassigns cops based on hometowns

CEBU, Philippines — About 76 police personnel from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 will be going back to their respective hometowns and be assigned there, as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Localization of Assignment Program.

Around 23 police personnel will be going back to the PRO-8, at least 18 policemen for Mindanao, while around 10 for Cagayan de Oro. There would also be police personnel who would go back to Davao, Region 5, Region 6 and four will be going back to Cordillera.

PRO-7 Director Albert Ignatius Ferro, however, said there will also be 34 cops that will be also reassigned here in Cebu.  He added that the 42 posts left by those reassigned policemen will be filled by the upcoming police recruits.

“I believe we won’t be affected because we still have our new patrolman but we will conduct more recruitment para sa mga new (police personnel),” Ferro told reporters yesterday.

As for the cases that these cops are handling and will be left due to their reassignment, Ferro said they will be supporting them so they can attend the hearings.

Ferro also clarified that those cops under investigation were not included in the reassignment program.

“These are all based on the parameters, like proper accountability including administrative cases.  According to our Chief PNP, we have to advocate for our family solidarity. It inculcates the nine-point thrust of our PNP Chief and that includes taking care of the welfare of the family. It is one of my traits that were taught in the Philippine Military Academy and defunct Philippine Constabulary that we should look after our people.  I do support such move,” Ferro added.

In his speech at Camp Crame that was streamed live at PRO 7 Headquarters during yesterday’s send-off ceremony, PNP Chief Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said only those police officers who have served three to five years in areas where they were recruited can avail of the program.

Among those who availed of the program was Police Staff Sgt. James Ladera, 44, who has been assigned at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office for almost 17 years now.

Ladera said that while at work he would have to make phone calls or video calls just to stay connected with his family in Dipolog City. He added he would be fortunate already if he could go home to his hometown in Dipolog City four times in one month.

“I have been assigned in Negros Oriental for 16 years and 10 months. I couldn’t thank enough our PNP Chief for coming up with this program because this will bring me closer to my family. I’ve been looking forward to moving to Dipolog so I could be with my family more often,” said Ladera. /GAN (FREEMAN)