CRAME’S ORDERS: Relief, transfer of 5 Iloilo cops recalled quickly

By Jennifer P. Rendon

It was withdrawn just as quickly as it was implemented.

The relief order for five officers of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) issued on May 7 was recalled a day later.

Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, director of Police Regional Office 6, confirmed that Maj. Kenn Albert Lepsia, Maj. Harold Rendora, Capt. Cedrick Cruz, Capt. Johnny Oro, and Lt. Patrick John Alabado were reassigned to their previous posts.

Lepsia, chief of the Dumangas Municipal Police Station, and Cruz, chief of the Barotac Nuevo Police Station, were returned to their posts after a brief transfer to the IPPO headquarters.

Rendora, who was designated to replace Lepsia, is back as deputy chief of the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit.

Oro, who had replaced Cruz, has resumed his post as deputy chief of Carles Municipal Police Station.

Alabado will again serve as commander of the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company after a short stint as deputy chief of Carles PNP.

The recall order took effect Friday, May 9.

Wanky did not elaborate on the reason behind the recall.

“I ordered the recall. I received instructions from Camp Crame to have the orders nullified. No reasons were provided,” he added.

Reports said the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD) issued a memorandum to Col. Bayani Razalan, IPPO director, instructing him to return the five officers to their previous assignments.

The memorandum referenced a letter from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 6.

Earlier on May 8, the same day the recall memo was issued, PRO-6 had justified the relief, citing the familiarity of Lepsia and Cruz with certain politicians.

Their perceived close ties allegedly prompted the personnel movement, although it was short-lived.

Wanky said both PRO-6 and the PNP national headquarters continue to conduct monitoring.