New ICPO chief assumes amid political bickering
In the midst of perceived political friction in Iloilo City, Police Regional Office (PRO) VI decided to install an officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
Claiming that his assignment was both a privilege and a challenge, Senior Supt. Dennis Basngi took over the post, which a number of officers did not desire, in a hastily announced turn over rites yesterday afternoon.
While the change of command ceremony was done without much fanfare, a certain level of tension was felt in the air with the presence of political rivals Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Cong. Raul Gonzalez, Jr.
Both are seeking the lone congressional seat of Iloilo City.
During their respective speech, both Treñas and Gonzalez acknowledged the presence of each other.
But the subtle stare allegedly given by Gonzalez did not escape the prying eyes of the attendees.
It did not also escape among spectators that while other police officials rose when the solon arrived, Treñas seemed oblivious to his entrance.
At one point in time during his talk, Treñas paused and was perceived to have thrown a glance at Gonzalez when the former made mention about that the Iloilo City government will give 3 multi-cabs to ICPO next week and another 5 patrol cars soon.
After the one-hour program, the two expectedly did not indulge in small talks.
Treñas allowed himself to be interviewed about the update on the two bombing incidents – one on his family-owned bakeshop and the other on their ancestral house.
While the mayor announced that he wanted a speedy resolution to the two incidents, Gonzalez, when asked, told the media that they must be prudent in dealing with the case and that they should wait for the official police investigation.
The said statement was apparently just a segue to Gonzalez’s speech claiming that their family would not condone violence.
But being caught in the middle of this political bickering, Basngi said that his deployment is a challenge because of the greater responsibilities that lies ahead.
“Aside from the ordinary police duties in curbing criminality and maintaining peace, the forthcoming political exercise is another concern that has to be looked into,” he claimed.
Together with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, preparations were already made and are presently being implemented.
“For us in the ICPO, I believe much work is in the offing. The recent incidents of grenade explosions in this city has undoubtedly place under the city under election wacthlist of areas. This means that we have to double our efforts as to prevent a repeat of these incidents,” he said.
Basngi also acknowledged the fact that what happened are counter-productive to peace, development and progress.
“But this is not the time to backslide. Instead, Iloilo City should be moving forward,” he said as he urged all ICPO members to do their part to keep the peace and order in the metropolis.
3-month job?
Basngi claimed that his superior, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas, did not give any specific marching order for him.
“For me, personally, when I received my orders, knowing the nature of the assignments and relief of police officers, I have given myself 3 months. Maybe, after the political exercise, I have the mindset that I will be back to Camp Crame or to Luzon,” he claimed.
When asked how do he intend to live up to the expectations of the people around him, Basngi claimed that he would do his job and provide necessary leadership to the police force in his area of responsibility.
“I think, when we had our first talk, I told Mayor Treñas that I’m submitting myself to him for assessment. And If I’m not really living up to his standards, I’m ready to go and be replaced by somebody who is more competent,” he added.
It can be recalled that Basngi succeed Senior Supt. Melvin Mongcal as Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief.
It was perceived that Treñas harbored animosity against Mongcal following the bombing incident on his bakeshop.
Mongcal then took a leave of absence and did not return.
But even without Mongcal, another bombing incident occurred.
The mayor was vocal in saying that the incidents are politically-motivated.
