Rey Anthony Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, September 21, 2012 (PIA) –The Provincial Peace and Order Council resolves to urge the Philippine National Police to reconsider the imminent transfer of Bohol police chief after a relatively successful two year tour of duty here.
At its meeting September 18 held at the Crab House, Local Monitoring Board coordinator Romeo Teruel brought up the string of successes the police in Bohol attained under the leadership of Negros Oriental son and Bohol Police Senior Superintendent Constantino Barot.
Teruel cited that continued decrease in crimes in Bohol under Barot watch, which peaked when Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome pinned on Barot’s breast the Medalya ng Kagalingan for police officers.
According to the PNP website, the Medalya ng Kagalingan (Merit medal) is often awarded to PNP members who attained heroic achievements for single act of heroism in a duty responsibility.
It may be recalled that under Barot’s watch, Bohol was declared insurgency free, and his top achievements include the neutralization of criminal elements, accounting of wanted persons and the recovery of fire-arms and huge volumes of dangerous drugs.
Medalya ng Kagitingan is one of the eight Administrative citations that the PNP issues to its officers which includes medal of valor, distinguished conduct, bravery, heroism, outstanding conduct, commendation and wounded personnel medals.
As most of the awards indicate a succeeding promotion, Teruel said he could sense that an imminent transfer for Barot was in the offing.
Moreover, Barot, who said begging for assignment retention is not encouraged in the police, added that he has prepared for the eventual transfer after successfully completing two years of tour of duty in Bohol.
On this, Governor Edgar Chatto, PPOC Chairman also explained that while it may sound unethical for police officers to seek retention of assignments, it may also be proper for the council to deliberately inform the chief PNP of the desire to keep Barot here.
Acting on this, Teruel moved for the resolution which was also seconded en masse, the content of which was to request the CPNP Bartolome to reconsider and have Barot retained here as chief. (30/hd)
