Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Merced on his way out as police chief By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan
THE dream of Police Senior Superintendent Pedro Merced to stay as Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director until his retirement two years from now will never be realized.
This after a top ranking official from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Headquarters in Camp Crame told Sun.Star Sunday that Merced is up for relief as BCPO director before December this year.
The police official, however, refused to elaborate further the reason behind the relief or disclose the name of the person who requested for Merced’s immediate relief.
According to this police official, Police Chief Director General Oscar Calderon has already approved the request for relief including those of the three recommendees whose names are set to be submitted to Mayor Evelio Leonardia for his final decision.
Merced only assumed office as BCPO director on October 3, 2005.
He replaced police colonel Vicente Ponteras, who now retired from the service.
During his acceptance speech in the turn-over ceremony last year, Merced vowed to do good for the sake of BCPO and the city and wished to stay as BCPO director until his retirement.
Both Merced and Leonardia cannot be reached for comment as of press time last night.
It is yet to be established though whether Merced’s approved relief was “political” in nature, after the key people who once endorsed Merced are now positioning to run against Leonardia.
Merced, according to sources was endorsed by former BCPO chief Vicente Ponteras and backed by Transportation and Communication Secretary Ricardo “Cano” Tan.
Both Ponteras and Tan were Leonardia’s former allies but are now running against the mayor.
Earlier, Merced said that as an officer and gentleman, he is ready to pack up anytime. Asked for his comment, Police Region 6 Director Geary Barias refused to confirm nor deny reports.
Instead, he only confirmed to Sun.Star that Victorias City Police chief, Senior Supt. Modesto Sanson, will be promoted as Guimaras Police Provincial Office director either this week or next week.
A turn-over ceremony in Guimaras PPO maybe done on Nov. 6, Barias said.
Eyed to replace Sanson in Victorias City is Superintendent Celestino Guarra, former Silay City Police chief who was relieved two weeks ago following the airport bombing in Bagtic, Silay City on October 8.
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