By Jennifer P. Rendon
Seven policemen, including the chief of police, were relieved following a viral video showing an unattended police station.
The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) leadership confirmed the administrative relief of Police Captain Airel Dawn Parcon as chief of San Enrique Municipal Police Station, effective May 25.
Also relieved from their posts were Police Senior Master Sergeant Joan Matutino, Police Staff Sergeant (PSSg) Ma. Ella Cachuela, PSSg Jivelyn Parcon, PSSg Dyan Rey Parcon, Police Corporal Laurence Sionosa, and Corporal Ryan Barbosa.
They were the duty officers when the video was taken early morning on May 21.
Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, signed the relief order following a clearance from Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief.
“We decided to administratively relieve the seven personnel of San Enrique PNP to avoid any whitewash in the conduct of the investigation,” Razalan said.
Razalan explained that removing them from their posts would prevent interference in the investigation and maintain the integrity of the police force. This action ensures they will not hamper or unduly influence the investigation.
The Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) will conduct the probe to determine any culpability.
In the meantime, the officers will be assigned to the IPPO headquarters at Camp Sumagaysay in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.
Razalan temporarily designated Captain Ivon Panes, platoon leader of the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), as officer-in-charge of San Enrique PNP. Additionally, eight personnel from the 2nd IPMFC have been assigned to fill the personnel requirement of San Enrique PNP.
The San Enrique PNP gained attention after a social media influencer, who identified himself as Kiko, visited the police station at 4:30 a.m. The video showed Kiko calling from outside the gate, but no one responded.
The story took several twists, with Kiko allegedly asking for an apology for misrepresentation in his video. There were also claims that policemen forced him to retract his earlier statements.
Kiko is also under investigation. If it is found that he fabricated stories for content purposes, the police will file criminal charges against him.
