By: Jennifer P. Rendon
AMONG the provinces and cities of Western Visayas, Bacolod City has been the subject of the PNP’s heightened anti-illegal drugs efforts.
With the impending reassignment of controversial Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido to Bacolod City, will he be the answer to the city’s drug woes?
Most probably, some quarters say, since he’s made a name in Ozamiz City where he allegedly led the “neutralization” of the Parojinog drug group.
But reports also pointed out that Espenido was assigned to Region 6 because of “political accommodation.”
While he was at Ozamiz City, he allegedly spearheaded a census to determine the number of occupants in each house.
This apparently did not sit well with members of the city council, which claimed that it encroached on the privacy of residents.
Espenido was allegedly slighted by the opposition, going on to say that the city could let him go if they don’t want him anymore.
Calls were made to higher elected officials until Espenido was ordered relieved and reassigned to Western Visayas.
On Tuesday, October 15, Espenido reported to Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) but has yet to make a courtesy call to Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan.
Meanwhile, Police Colonel Henry Biñas, Bacolod City police chief, said he welcomes Espenido’s reported assignment to the area.
“Any help to curb Bacolod City’s drug woes is very much welcome,” he said.
TO PROTECT AND SERVE
Espenido told the local media that he’s a person of few words.
“Hindi ako sanay sa pagsasalita. Mag trabaho lang tayo,” he said.
Espenido also asked to be given a chance to end the problem on illegal drugs.
But Espenido, a known religious person, said he will leave it to God to guide him on his duty.
He cited that he’s been known to deliver his commitment even when he was assigned at Samar where he helped disband some private armed groups.
“But then hindi tayo masamang tao. Protector ako ng buhay niyo,” he said.
Espenido said he would do what is necessary to give peace to the people he serves.
