THE current chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group- Central Visayas (CIDG 7) was officially relieved from his post last week.
Starting last Thursday, September 12, 2019, Police Colonel Lito Patay will officially lead the CIDG's Luzon office and will replace Police Col. Rommel Ochave, who will be transfered to CIDG 7 as its new chief.
Ochave is a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1996.
Police Brigadier Gen. Debold Sinas, Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) director, confirmed Patay's relief during an interview with reporters on Thursday, September 19.
Sinas disclosed that one of the reasons behind Patay's relief may have been related to a recent raid conducted by the CIDG 7 against an online gambling operation operated by Chinese nationals in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City last September 7.
Around 181 Chinese nationals were arrested during that raid after failing to provide CIDG 7 operatives with permits issued by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
But after CIDG 7 filed the charges against the 181 Chinese nationals, the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor Ruso Zaragoza ordered their immediate release after he disagreed with the initial findings of his prosecutors that found probable cause to charge the respondents for illegal gambling.
Also, the Chinese nationals were able to present a Certificate of Accreditation to operate Customer Relations Service Provider as per Certificate of Accreditation issued by PAGCOR.
“That was the reason for his relief. Di nako mamakak para dili namo mag huna-huna (I won't lie to you, so you won't wonder) that was the reason behind his relief. That is their (CIDG) choice, not mine kase dili nako mo-estorya he was relieved (because I won't disclose anymore why he was relieved),” Sinas said.
Sinas also clarified that CIDG 7 is not under his jurisdiction as it is a "national support unit" and he only has supervisory power over their operations.
Its up to CIDG if they want to replace their officials as they have their own policies to follow, Sinas added.
The police official, however, admitted he is impressed of Patay's performance in CIDG 7 especially when they worked together in various operations in Negros Oriental last year. (FROM AYB OF SUPERBALITA CEBU/JKV)