Pavia police chief’s quick relief a routine reassignment, IPPO says

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The brief tenure of Police Maj. Bryan Alamo as officer-in-charge of the Pavia Municipal Police Station was neither irregular nor politically motivated, the Iloilo Provincial Police Office said.

Iloilo Provincial Police Chief Col. Bayani Razalan said Alamo was always intended as a caretaker while Mayor Laurence Anthony “Luigi” Gorriceta had yet to name his preferred candidate for the post.

Alamo himself knew the designation was temporary, Razalan added.

Alamo was installed as OIC on May 22 and relieved on May 27 — five days into the role.

He replaced Capt. Ritz Field Presquito following an order from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6.

Razalan said the temporary appointment became necessary after 14 Iloilo Provincial Police Office officers were administratively relieved for five days for failing a comprehensive practical learning examination, leaving the office short-staffed.

The manpower gap triggered Alamo’s interim designation.

However, the IPPO subsequently found that Alamo’s cumulative tour of duty as chief of police had already exceeded six years, necessitating his reassignment to a staff position at the Provincial Office in line with organizational policies and career development guidelines.

He had served as chief of police in various towns across the region for over eight years in total.

Razalan said the reassignment is part of the organization’s continuing efforts to ensure equitable personnel distribution, promote professional growth, and strengthen organizational efficiency.

The IPPO assured the public that the reassignment will not affect police services or the Philippine National Police’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in Pavia.