By: Jennifer P. Rendon
ANOTHER town police chief of Iloilo was relieved from his post.
Police Major Niño Leonard Amar was ordered to vacate his post as Pavia police chief effective Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019.
Amar is the fifth town police chief to be relieved since Police Colonel Roland Vilela assumed as Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) chief last month.
Amar was recently named as one of the three chiefs of police who were made to explain following their absence from post when Vilela made a surprise inspection during the nationwide transport strike on Sept. 30.
At that time, the PNP was on full alert status.
Forty-five other policemen from different police stations were also required to submit a written explanation for the same offense.
Amar reportedly claimed he went to Tapaz, Capiz to personally check how the town’s operation center functions. He said this system might also be adopted in Pavia town.
Sixteen more Pavia cops were also made to explain for their absence.
But for Vilela, it was not Amar’s absence that compelled him to order the relief.
He said he activated a Placement Board to review the performance of different field commander of IPPO.
Statistics showed that Pavia town has the highest crime rate in Iloilo with Passi City and Oton tailing behind.
“I ordered his relief because he appeared to be ineffective in leading an urbanized town police station,” he said.
Vilela said Amar should be have implemented plans to combat the concern on rising crime incidents.
“Ano magbibilang na lang kami ng statistics? I was not born for it. He should have taken an action. As a chief of police, he should be a social scientist to ascertain the things that need to be done,” he said.
Amar is now assigned as the deputy chief of IPPO Operations Section.
“But we have a dearth of police officers. I would like for an area that is deemed suitable for him,” he sis’s.
In the meantime, Vilela said he would have Mayor Luigi Gorriceta choose Amar’s successor.
Three names were already submitted for his perusal and consideration.