AT least 28 operatives of three special police units in Central Visayas were headed to the rebel-infested areas in Luzon or in war-torn areas in Mindanao.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ordered the relief of five police officials with the rank of Senior Inspector, and 23 non-commissioned officers with the rank ranging from Police Officer 1 to Senior Police Office 3.
The relief order was dated July 15, 2016 but it was only received by the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) on Monday. The order does not explain the reason for the transfer
But during his command visit at PRO-7 last Monday, Dela Rosa hinted that the revamp came amid reports that some of them were receiving money from personalities involved in illegal drugs.
He said he had to pull out some policemen from their current assignment to disrupt their illegal activities.
“Policemen should be willing to be assigned anywhere in the Philippines. And I want these relieved operatives to fight the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) as well as the gun-for-hire groups. Their services are badly needed in those regions,” the feisty PNP chief told reporters last Monday.
Early on, Dela Rosa said he also relieved 100 policemen from Central Luzon who were linked to illegal drugs and transferred them to Mindanao.