By Jennifer P. Rendon
There are ways for police officers who wish to be assigned near their place of residence to transfer without relying on political patronage.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, emphasized this amid numerous requests for the relief and reassignment of policemen.
“They don’t need to seek political intervention because we have the PNP Localization of Assignment Program,” Wanky said.
In Western Visayas, 873 personnel have requested transfers to their respective localities in line with the program.
Of that number, 194 were initially approved based on the PNP’s existing guidelines and staffing pattern.
“Others will be accommodated once new recruits are ready for deployment to police stations after completing their mandatory mobile unit duty assignments,” Wanky added.
He noted that the localization program is being prioritized ahead of the upcoming elections.
“This is to prevent our personnel from seeking endorsements or intervention from politicians. We cannot ignore the possibility that PNP personnel reassigned through political candidates’ intervention may be biased during the election due to ‘utang na loob,’ which is ingrained in Filipino culture,” Wanky explained.
He stressed that efforts are being made to professionalize the police force and ensure officers enforce the law without fear or favor.
Wanky also reminded police officers in Western Visayas to remain apolitical and ensure a level playing field during the election period.
The PNP Localization of Assignment Program is part of the 9 Strategic Thrusts under the PNP Sustainable Development Plan for PNP PATROL Plan 2030.
The program aims to boost morale, improve welfare, and strengthen family bonds, with the goal of achieving work efficiency and effective law enforcement.
It is believed that assigning police officers to their hometown, province, or region fosters a sense of ownership of the community they serve.
