Razalan returns as Iloilo provincial police chief

By Jennifer P. Rendon

After all that transpired, it’s still Col. Bayani Razalan at the helm of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office.

The Police Regional Office 6 confirmed that Razalan was again designated as IPPO chief effective Monday, July 14.

Razalan regained his position after being relieved as IPPO director a day before the May 12 midterm elections.

PRO-6 Director Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky subsequently appointed Col. Noel Bulalacao, chief regional staff, as IPPO officer in charge.

Razalan was reassigned as officer in charge of the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division.

He was later named chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division.

Col. Ryan Devaras then succeeded Razalan as RIDMD chief.

Maj. Lailyn Sencil, PRO-6 spokesperson, said Razalan was chosen because of his experience in leading the Iloilo police force.

Sencil denied reports that PRO-6 recommended three candidates for the IPPO top post.

“As far as I know, Brig. Gen. Josefina Ligan has not submitted any recommendation,” she said. “Probably, the list was made before she assumed post.”

Reports claimed PRO-6 had listed Col. Ferdinand Navales, chief of the Regional Headquarters Support Unit; Col. Giovanni Musico, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division; and Col. Arlene Castor, chief of the Regional Police Strategy Management Unit.

However, Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. allegedly turned down the shortlist.

There were also reports that PRO-6 pushed for a newly assigned officer to head IPPO, but the plan did not materialize.