‘Familiarity’ Prompted Relief of 3 Western Visayas Cops

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The perceived close relationship to politicians of three police chiefs led to their relief from duty in Western Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said they were ordered to monitor the personal and political leanings of police personnel.

“We relieved officers in Roxas City and Iloilo’s 4th District after receiving reports suggesting they could potentially be used due to their closeness with certain candidates,” he said.

He explained the relief is temporary while investigations are ongoing.

Effective May 7, Maj. Kenn Albert Lepsia of Dumangas Municipal Police Station, Capt. Cedrick Cruz of Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station, and Lt. Col. Lumyaen Lidawan of Roxas City Police Station were relieved from their posts.

Lepsia and Cruz were reassigned to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office headquarters.

Lidawan swapped assignments with the commander of the 1st Capiz Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Wanky said the move was made to avoid any perception of political bias among police officers.

“If there’s suspicion, it’s better to reassign them now rather than wait until it’s too late,” he said.

When asked for evidence of the officers’ alleged political affiliations, Wanky said the decision was based on monitoring and field reports.

He also denied that any politician influenced the move.

“I made the decision myself—no politician dictated it,” he said.

Wanky added that the Philippine National Police national headquarters is also conducting its own monitoring.

“Even I am being monitored for my actions,” he said.