Region 6 police director Isagani Cuevas yesterday justified the transfer of 17 policemen from Guimaras and Iloilo, not only to Negros Occidental but to other provinces of Western Visayas, by saying that they have no pending cases but admitted that their respective commanders had recommended their relief for engaging in moonlighting activities.

He also said some of them were no longer reporting for duty, while others were frequently monitored to be in cockpits, which are off-limits to them.

Ten of the 17 policemen have been re-assigned to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, and this has been opposed by Governor Isidro Zayco.

“We just want them to improve their performance,” Cuevas said.

In his letter to Cuevas, Zayco said the assignment of 10 policemen to Negros Occidental due to their alleged involvement in illegal activities, has drawn negative reactions from the public who perceive the move as a way of making Negros Occidental a dumping ground for erring policemen.

“We wish to request your office to recall the assignment of the said policemen to our province, pending the final verification of the veracity of complaints against each of them,” Zayco said.

“In this manner,” he added, “we will allow them due process and at the same time, appease the apparent apprehension and negative perception, presently prevailing among the public at-large.”

Cuevas said if the re-assigned policemen reform in their new assignments, they will be returned to their previous police units.

Aside from the 17 relieved policemen, four more police officers, including Supt. Rolen Balquin, have sought re-assignment from Iloilo to various police units in Western Visayas, police records show.

Senior Supt. Rosendo Franco, provincial police director, yesterday said he has already relayed the sentiments of Negrenses to Cuevas.

Franco, however, expressed his dismay that the issue had been “blown out of proportion”. While he admitted that there were rumors about linkages of the newly-assigned policemen to illegal activities, they continue to remain rumors as of this time.

“We convict them without any basis,” Franco said, apparently referring to some reports in the media.

“In fairness, let’s give them a chance, as there is always room for improvement,” he added.

Franco said Cuevas had called up Zayco, in connection with his request for the recall. He, however, said he was not privy to the outcome of the talks as of last night.*GPB

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