Cops relieved for falling ‘below standard’

DILG Sec. Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas (PNA Photo)

MANILA – Four police district directors in Metro Manila were relieved not because of rising crime statistics but because of falling below target, according to National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria.

The director added that he personally recommended the relief of the four officials to Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

“It’s not that crime statistics are rising. They go up and down, but of course there are requirements [these police officials must meet],” Valmoria said in an interview published in a report for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

National Police spokesperson Senior Supt. Wilben Mayor also said that the district directors did not meet the standards set by Roxas, adding that they were given “scorecards and a weekly target to meet.

“Usually, the aim is to lower [the figures]. Like if there were 10 robbery cases in an area, it should go down to 9 or 8. Even if it remains the same, the bottom line is that they didn’t meet the standards, he said.

The following revamp was announced by the Roxas on Wednesday:

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) head Chief Supt. Richard Albano was replaced by his deputy, Senior Supt. Joel Pagdilao; Chief Supt. Rolando Asuncion of the Manila Police District (MPD) was succeeded by Senior Supt. Rolando Nana;

Chief Supt. Henry Ranola was designated Southern Police District director in place of Chief Supt. Jose Erwin Villacorte; while Northern Police District (NPD) head Chief Supt. Edgardo Layon was replaced by Chief Supt. Jonathan Ferdinand Miano.

Meanwhile, only Chief Supt. Abelardo Villacorta of Eastern Police District retained his post.

“These are generals (the PNP equivalent of chief superintendents). They need to be posted. Their knowledge, skills and talents could still be used,” Mayor said.