Leyte cop official denies transfer linked to politics

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 23 (PNA) –- A police official in this province has denied that his transfer to another town on Friday is politically-motivated.

Chief Insp. Ricky Reli broke his silence on the issue that his transfer from Carigara town to Kananga police station was requested by Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong, after leading anti-drug operations.

“Never in my wildest dream that Ong will be accused of malicious allegations such as protecting drug lords or illegal drugs, considering that upon assumption, the marching order of the mayor was to conduct intensified illegal drugs operations,” Reli explained.

The local police chief found it “absurd” that his transfer is linked to politics since the reassignment order came from the police regional office, relayed through the provincial office.

“In fact, our organization would not be that successful in our effort to fight crimes without the all-out support of local government unit,” he added.

He recalled that the mayor even tried to request the regional office to retain him as chief of police.

In the past years, Reli was assigned to lead the Julita and Jaro town police stations. Prior to his assignment in Carigara, he was the operations officer for the papal visit early of 2015.

“One thing present wherever I am assigned, is my campaign against illegal drugs” said Reli.

“We have to understand that it is political season, and that propaganda or issues against certain politicians will come out, on my part as a government employee I am just doing my mandate,” he added.

“I strongly believe that no local chief executive will support illegal activities in their area especially when he himself is focused in the development of his place.” (PNA)
LAP/SQM/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/EGR