Samar gov dismayed over provincial top cop's transfer

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 4 (PNA) -– Governor Sharee Ann Tan expressed dismay over the recent transfer of Samar police provincial director, whom she described as a “performing cop.”

Tan said that relieving Sr. Supt. Rafael Pelobello might be a setback to the sustainability of their campaign to stop election-related violence.

However, she is hopeful that Pelobello’s replacement, Sr. Supt. Rommel Bernardo Cabagnot, head of the Police Security Protection Group, will be able to match the performance of the former police provincial chief.

The governor lamented that the police official was transferred on November 26 to the general headquarters, four days after he initiated a “one-time, big-time” campaign against illegal drugs in Calbayog, resulting in the arrest of more than 30 people.

“This is my first time that I cried because a police provincial director was relieved. I believe there is injustice. I just hope that there would be sustainable programs now that we have a new provincial director,” Tan said during the closing rite of the 45-day Special Weapons and Armed Tactics training for 20 young police officers on Thursday.

Cabagnot was not present during the ceremony since he has to attend to some unfinished business in Manila.

The governor lauded Pelobello for the synchronized checkpoints and strengthening of Oplan Lambat Sibat introduced by former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas.

The Philippine National Police installed Pelobello as Samar provincial chief on June 19, 2015.

Tan, who has been supporting the presidential bid of Roxas, said they are very concerned with the recent series of killings in Calbayog City and Sta. Margarita town, involving political supporters.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, a former local official in Samar, said the DILG is committed to preventing election-related violence in Samar.

“There is a standing order to ensure that private armies in Samar are neutralized and to ensure safety of our people there,” he said.

Sarmiento’s brother is running for congressman in Samar’s first district against Calbayog City Councilor Raymund Uy, the governor’s political ally.

“I would not want to comment on something that is political in nature now that I am the DILG Secretary. We’re dealing with government official coming from different political parties. I will have to leave political questions with the party,” Sarmiento told reporters in an earlier interview in Tacloban.

Samar province has been listed as one of “concerned areas” during election period due to its history of violence and the presence of private armed groups backed by politicians. (PNA)
LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO