ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has ordered a formal fact-finding investigation into allegations of irregularities at the Molo Police Station, including claims of evidence planting during anti-illegal drug operations, even as regional police chief Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño ruled out the immediate relief of the station commander, saying there is no verified basis to remove him from office.
The directive came in the wake of a recent operation by the Philippine National Police’s Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) at the Molo Police Station and the circulation of an anonymous letter accusing some personnel of misconduct in anti-drug operations.
Tuaño said Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot, the Molo police chief, cannot be relieved solely on the basis of allegations.
“A station commander is relieved administratively only if he himself is involved in an incident or offense. As of now, there is no formal complaint filed against Captain Inot, and there is no verified basis for relieving him from his position,” Tuaño said.
Tuaño clarified that the recent IMEG operation at the Molo Police Station was directed at a dismissed police officer and not Inot, adding that the operation yielded negative results.
He also cited Inot’s performance as a factor in allowing him to remain in his post.
“He continues to perform his duties well. As regional director, I cannot simply remove a commander based on unverified allegations because we also have to protect the morale of our personnel. Any action we take must be supported by facts,” he said.
Despite this, Tuaño said the allegations contained in the anonymous letter would not be ignored.
He said he has instructed the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) to conduct a comprehensive fact-finding inquiry into the claims.
“I assure you that we take concerns raised by the public seriously, regardless of who is involved,” Tuaño said.
“I have directed the RIDMD to look into the allegations raised in the letter and establish the facts in a fair, impartial and objective manner. We will give due attention to the concerns of the complainants while also observing due process and fairness to the personnel concerned,” he added.
Tuaño emphasized that administrative sanctions cannot be imposed without evidence and due process.
“At this point, it would be premature to take administrative action against anyone based solely on allegations. Any action on the part of the PRO-6 leadership must be based on verified facts and the results of a proper investigation,” he said.
He also assured the public that the investigation would be conducted transparently.
“Ang maipapangako ko sa ating mga kababayan ay walang pagtatakip at wala ring panghuhusga nang walang sapat na basehan. We will follow the evidence, establish the truth, and take the appropriate action warranted by the findings,” Tuaño said./PN
