Pavia police chief keeps post, for now

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Capt. Ritz Field Presquito will remain chief of the Pavia Municipal Police Station, at least for now.

This comes despite earlier remarks from Mayor Laurence Anthony “Luigi” Gorriceta that he was dissatisfied with Presquito’s performance.

The local chief executive made the remark following reported twin abduction incidents in Pavia on Feb. 23.

The alleged abductions later turned out to be legitimate police operations against the illegal sale of firearms conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Weeks later, Gorriceta again expressed discontent with Presquito following the discovery of a charred body at Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia.

What was initially speculated to be a murder case is now believed by police to be a death caused by self-inflicted injury.

Amid the two incidents, Presquito responded with a brief reply: “no comment.”

In Presquito’s defense, Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Col. Bayani Razalan said he could not blame the police chief for the two incidents.

“I hope people will understand that we are not in control of everything. I believe he did everything to solve these incidents. Para sa akin, he’s performing well,” Razalan said.

Razalan said Presquito had informed him that he already spoke with Gorriceta.

“Nagkaayos na sila. Naliwanagan na si Mayor on all the issues,” Razalan said.

Razalan clarified that Gorriceta has not requested Presquito’s relief.

But if Gorriceta decides to pursue Presquito’s relief, Razalan said he would have no choice but to seek a replacement.

“I want to maintain a harmonious relationship between the police and the local chief executive,” Razalan said.