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Espenido not transferring to Iloilo, Bato confirms
Philippine Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa confirmed in a press briefing on Monday that the transfer of Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido to Iloilo will not push through.
“Si presidente mismo ang nagbigay ng instruction na huwag nang ituloy dahil nga baka ma-demoralize mga tao sa Ozamis kung tanggalin natin si Espenido doon [It was President Rodrigo Duterte who gave the instruction to not continue his (Espenido) transfer because it might demoralize the people of Ozamis, if we will remove Espenido there],” the director general said.
“May balita nga na baka mag people power pag tinanggal doon si Espenido. Kaya nagbago isip ni presidente sabi niya pag bigyan muna natin ang nga taga Ozamis, wag muna natin alisin si Espenido doon [There’s news that there might be a people power if Espenido will be transferred. That’s why the president have changed his mind, he said let’s give what the people want, let’s not remove Espenido there],” he added.
Earlier, Espenido himself said that he had to delay his transfer because of his unfinished business in the Western Visayas, he also said that he wants to finish what he started.
Espenido added that he is still searching for the alleged leader of the ‘Martilyo Gang’ in Osamiz, Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog, the brother of the slain Ozamis Mayor Reynaldo “Ardong” Parojinog.
“Public knowledge na siya ang pinakamatindi sa mga Parojinog [It is a public knowledge that he is the most notorious Parojinog],” Espenido said.
President Duterte on August 28 appointed Espenido as officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) before he was awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu for his contribution on the administration’s fight against illegal drugs.
Duterte made the announcement during his speech in the celebration of National Heroes Day at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Duterte earlier described the province of Iloilo as the “most shabulized” city in the Philippines.
Dela Rosa also clarified that the cancellation of Espenido’s transfer is not related with the chief inspector’s rank; after issues came up that the chief inspector did not meet the qualifications needed to be assigned in a massive city as Iloilo.
