ILOILO — A controversial firearms buy-bust in Pavia has erupted into a leadership crisis, with the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Region 6 launching an independent probe as Mayor Laurence Gorriceta openly warned he may seek the replacement of the town’s police chief over what he called “inhumane” and confusing police actions.
The twin developments stem from a February 23 operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Barangay Cabugao Sur and Purok 3, which initially sparked public alarm after witnesses reported that two individuals were forcibly taken by armed men and placed in a red vehicle — raising fears of abduction.
NAPOLCOM Region 6 confirmed it has initiated a motu proprio investigation into the CIDG Iloilo Provincial Field Office and the Pavia Municipal Police Station to determine whether proper coordination and operational procedures were observed during the buy-bust operation.
“The purpose of the investigation is to establish the facts and determine if there was proper coordination and compliance with operational procedures,” NAPOLCOM-6 spokesperson Atty. Michelle Yotoko said, adding that the inquiry also seeks to clarify conflicting accounts from both police units.
As part of the probe, Pavia police chief Police Captain Ritz Field Presquito was summoned on February 25 to explain his unit’s role and coordination in the operation.
Presquito earlier claimed there was no prior coordination but later stated that CIDG informed them of the operation at around 11 p.m., when it had already concluded.
CIDG, however, maintained that the operation was legitimate and targeted loose firearms, insisting coordination was made prior to the operation.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) also issued a statement indicating that the incident involving one of the individuals stemmed from a personal dispute, while CIDG operatives said their intervention was part of law enforcement after the suspect allegedly reacted upon learning she was dealing with police officers.
NAPOLCOM-6 emphasized that its independent investigation aims to ensure accountability, clarify operational lapses if any, and maintain public trust in law enforcement agencies.
Amid the conflicting narratives, Pavia’s Mayor Laurence Gorriceta delivered a scathing assessment of the local police’s performance and warned that he may request the replacement of the police chief if the issue remains unresolved.
“Definitely kon indi mahatagan sang solusyon, ma-request kita for ano eh, replacement. Lantawon ta ang progress sang insidente, but as of subong, wala paman klaro nga solusyon or findings. Makahambal ako nga indi ako satisfied as of now,” said Gorriceta.
He described himself and the public as confused by the differing pronouncements issued by the Pavia police, CIDG, and PRO-6.
“First of all, disappointed kita no…sa natabo sa aton nga banwa. Kay duha ka insidente and may shooting pa. Ginhatagan naton una ang PNP (Philippine National Police) naton sang tiyempo to do their investigation and to have their findings sa natabo. Damo ila gin pagwa nga mga statements. And we are very confused sa ila mga pronouncements,” he stressed.
“There should be well-defined protocols for detaining individuals, rather than actions that resemble an abduction,” he said, referring to the CIDG’s conduct.
He further called for intervention from PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan and Iloilo Police Provincial Office director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, saying he is awaiting their pronouncements.
Earlier, the CIDG denied allegations of abduction after two Monday night operations in Pavia triggered public alarm and confusion, insisting both were legitimate buy-bust operations targeting loose firearms.
Police Lieutenant Job Lujan, assistant chief of the CIDG Iloilo Provincial Field Unit, said the first incident in Barangay Cabugao Sur, Pavia at around 7:30 p.m. on February 23 was part of “Oplan Paglalansag Omega,” an intensified drive against loose firearms.
“That was a legitimate buy-bust operation,” Lujan said, referring to the operation targeting a suspect identified as Mark Alarcon, a village resident.
According to Lujan, operatives identified themselves as police officers while approaching the suspect, who was riding a bicycle, but a struggle followed when the suspect allegedly resisted arrest.
About 15 minutes later, a separate incident involving 29-year-old Gene Stephanie Guillem, also known as “Nene,” sparked further controversy after she was reportedly taken by a man who identified himself as a police officer near the plaza of Pavia.
Lujan said Guillem was also the subject of a firearms operation based on information from a confidential agent who claimed she was selling illegal firearms.
“Our operatives expected that there was an actual selling of a firearm. However, during the actual scenario, Guillem did not possess any firearm,” he said.
He said Guillem reacted emotionally when approached.
“When she saw the operatives and they introduced themselves as police officers, she reacted sentimentally. Instead of just talking to the police, there was a struggle,” Lujan said.
However, no firearm was recovered from Guillem./PN
