IPPO okays relief of town police chief over mayor’s request

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The leadership of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) confirmed the imminent relief of one of its chiefs of police following the request of the town mayor.

Colonel Adrian Acollador, Iloilo police chief, said he already talked with Mayor Trixie Fernandez of San Enrique and they both agreed to replace Major Robert Jayson Pancha.

Acollador said Fernandez called him up before the election day and asked for another officer to lead the San Enrique Municipal Police Station.

But it was not immediately acted upon because of the prohibition on the transfer, promotion, extension or recall of police personnel during the election period.

The election period started January 9 and ended June 8.

But on the same day that the election period concluded, a murder incident happened in San Enrique town.

German national Otto Wolfgang Alexander Knorr, 72, was shot dead inside his house at Barangay Camiri.

“I asked Mayor Fernandez to wait a little while because I have given a tasking to Major Pancha relative to the investigation of the case,” Acollador said.

It was gathered that Fernandez has already intimated who she wanted to replace Pancha.

But Acollador said the lady mayor would still be given three choices where she could pick the next officer to lead the local police force.

Earlier, Fernandez claimed that she has nothing personal against Pancha.

But Acollador said the mayor brought up the issue of Pancha not personally attending meetings and usually sent a representative on his behalf.

There were also reports that Pancha could not be immediately reached.

Fernandez has cited the importance of good relationship between the local government and the police in asking for Pancha’s relief.