A total of 269 policemen, including the Silay City police chief, who have relatives who filed certificates of candidacy for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) have been transferred to other police stations, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) reported.
PCapt. Judesses Catalogo, NOCPPO spokesperson, said that this temporary transfer is in compliance with the Commission on Elections guidelines to ensure the integrity of the polls while maintaining the non-partisan position of the Philippine National Police.
Out of 269, she said 268 were non-commissioned personnel while one was Silay Police Chief Lt. Mark Anthony Darroca.
Catalogo said they were transferred to nearby towns or cities from their original designations, while Darroca was assigned at the provincial headquarters.
This temporary transfer will last for 45 days, Catalogo said.
Meanwhile, the NOCPPO spokesperson assured that the police personnel in the province are sufficient but they are still awaiting the declaration of areas of concern.
If there will be areas of concern in Negros Occidental, they will ask the regional office for augmentation forces, Catologo said.*