Espenido is welcome to return to Bacolod anytime – mayor

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido will always have a place here, according to Mayor Evelio Leonardia.

While he was surprised with Espenido’s relief from the Bacolod City Police Office where he served as deputy chief, Leonardia said the controversial police official is always welcome if he is reassigned once more to this city.

“He can come back anytime, he is welcome here in Bacolod,” the mayor said.

Leonardia said he was surprised by the sudden transfer of Espenido whom he last met on Feb 6, 2020, to discuss his request for assistance from the city government in the campaign against illegal drugs.

Espenido was first assigned here in October 2019 and relieved on Feb 5, 2020 after he was included in the latest list of police officials who were linked to the illegal drug trade.

“So far, we were comfortable with him and his presence as far as the anti-illegal drugs war has brought some sense of urgency and stability and my personal impression it must have made those engaged in this illegal activities think further if they will continue or not because his (Espenido) presence was somehow a deterrent in itself,” Leonardia said.