ILOILO City — The leadership transition at the Pavia Municipal Police Station (MPS) took another turn as Police Major Bonifacio Alabe Jr. formally assumed office as officer-in-charge (OIC), following the relief of Police Major Bryan Alamo whose cumulative tenure as chief of police had exceeded the allowable limit under organizational policies.
Alabe took over the post on May 30 amid ongoing discussions between the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and Mayor Laurence Anthony “Luigi” Gorriceta regarding the station’s leadership, according to information released by the IPPO.
The appointment came after Iloilo police provincial director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan explained to Gorriceta that Alamo could no longer continue serving as chief of police because his cumulative tour of duty in the position had already exceeded six years.
Alamo was temporarily designated as OIC of the Pavia MPS on May 22 but was relieved from the post five days later, on May 27.
Alabe is among the officers included in a shortlist submitted by Razalan to Gorriceta for consideration as the next permanent chief of police of Pavia.
Before his assignment in Pavia, Alabe was serving with the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Tigbauan, Iloilo. He previously served as chief of police of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station.
The leadership change came despite a formal appeal from Gorriceta seeking Alamo’s reinstatement.
In a letter dated May 28 addressed to Razalan, the mayor requested that Alamo be allowed to return as OIC of the Pavia police force.
“After careful evaluation and considering the current peace and order landscape of Pavia, we would like to formally request for the reinstatement of Police Major Bryan Alamo as the OIC of the Pavia Municipal Police Station,” a portion of the letter stated.
Gorriceta cited Alamo’s performance and familiarity with local security concerns as reasons for the request.
According to the mayor, Alamo demonstrated exceptional leadership and strengthened cooperation between law enforcement and the community during his tenure.
However, the IPPO maintained that Alamo’s reassignment was necessary.
“Alamo’s designation as OIC of Pavia MPS was temporary. His cumulative tour of duty as chief of police has already exceeded six (6) years, thereby necessitating his reassignment to a staff position at the Provincial Office in line with organizational policies and career development,” the IPPO explained.
The provincial police office added that the move is part of broader efforts to ensure proper personnel distribution, promote professional growth among police officers, and enhance organizational efficiency while maintaining uninterrupted police services.
Razalan, meanwhile, assured local officials that Alabe’s performance will be closely monitored during his first two months as OIC.
Earlier, Gorriceta said he wanted the next chief of police of Pavia to be “snappy,” proactive, and capable of enhancing police visibility in the municipality.
Alamo had earlier replaced Police Captain Ritz Field Presquito, who was relieved from his post following the death of Frank Rois Barbasa, whose burned body was discovered in a subdivision in Barangay Ungka I, Pavia./PN
