PRO-6 Confirms Relief of Iloilo Police Chief Razalan

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 has confirmed the relief of Colonel Bayani Razalan as director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, said Thursday afternoon that they are awaiting clearance from the Commission on Elections Central Office to finalize Razalan’s relief.

Colonel Rolando Bulalacao, PRO-6 chief of regional staff, will temporarily assume Razalan’s post in a concurrent capacity.

Wanky said the order for Razalan’s relief came from the Philippine National Police national headquarters.

“The order came from PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil,” he said, adding that he received the information on the evening of April 22.

Asked why Bulalacao was chosen, Wanky said Camp Crame preferred someone from outside Western Visayas to maintain neutrality.

He added that no official reason was stated for Razalan’s removal.

“Crame has its own independent intelligence and monitoring on the ground,” Wanky said.

He did not rule out the possibility that the region’s current political climate may have influenced the decision.

Wanky also noted that officers from other regions have been relieved, though not all are provincial or city directors.

“So far in Region 6, it’s only him,” he said.

He added that a revamp involving some chiefs of police in the Capiz Police Provincial Office may follow.

Reports indicate that certain Capiz police chiefs have shown partisan support for a congressional candidate.

In Razalan’s case, Wanky said a solon who is running for a different elective position allegedly filed a complaint against him.

An hour before the confirmation, Razalan said he was unaware of any revamp affecting his post.

“But that’s always a possibility—it’s daily survival, especially during the election period,” he said.

As a professional officer, Razalan said he respects the chain of command and will follow all lawful orders.