Iloilo City police station chief relieved over billiard tilt?

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Before he could warm up his seat, Captain Nonito Venteroso Jr. was removed from his post as officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Station 10.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, outgoing Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director, confirmed that Venteroso was relieved effective July 22.

Venteroso’s relief came 20 days after ICPS 10, along with three other police stations, was activated.

When asked about the reason for Venteroso’s relief, Coronica offered a rather vague answer.

“It’s for the good of the service and ICPO; and for his own,” he said.

Coronica, who is set to be installed as Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director on July 23, did not elaborate further.

However, several reports pointed to a billiard tournament that occurred over the weekend in Mandurriao, Iloilo City as the reason for Venteroso’s short tenure as ICPS 10 commander.

Reports indicated that Venteroso’s statement regarding the incident did not sit well with ICPO officers.

The ICPO is investigating the billiard game following reports that it extended beyond a simple promotional tournament.

Police received reports that several individuals placed money bets during a billiard event on the evening of July 20 at Barangay Bolilao.

Meanwhile, Coronica has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon, the chief of the ICPO MPU, as the new officer-in-charge of ICPS 10.