Treñas sets criteria for next ICPO director
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has set three must-have qualifications for the next Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief after its former chief was relieved from his position last week for his alleged laxity while in position.
Sr. Supt. Eugenio Espejo replaced Sr. Supt. Melvin Mongcal as OIC city police director pending the assumption of the new chief. It was Treñas who personally sought Mongcal’s relief before PNP chief Director General Jesus Versoza for his failure to solve several incidents in the city which involved the mayor’s family and businesses.
Treñas’s request for Mongcal’s relief was further heightened after the grenade-throwing incident at Carlos Bakeshop and Café. The mayor blurted out his disgust and disappointment with the way Mongcal handled the situation.
He described the situation as a worst one. There was never a time when incidents such as the grenade throwing incident happened in the city because of election, he said.
Treñas said next ICPO should meet the criteria he set forth. The next city director should be a non-partisan officer, could not be bought by money and could not be intimidated by politicians.
The mayor added the next city police director should also be visible in his assignment and ready to respond in any circumstances affecting the peace and order of the city. Treñas observed that Mongcal was always on leave every time incidents happen.
Treñas said Mongcal is still on leave and has no chance to return to his post which is now being occupied by Espejo. Treñas said being the city director is not a matter of just enjoying his leave credits.
