MikeLigalig.com

By Bohol Chronicle

“I’m ready to leave, but willing to stay.”
 
This was the statement made by Police Senior Supt. Constantino Barot Jr. during an interview with “Inyong Alagad” on Wednesday following calls for him to extend his tour of duty on the occasion of Tuesday’s Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting.
 
The provincial police director, who was designated Bohol Police Provincial Director in September 2010 or two years ago, is due for reassignment, consistent with the Philippine National Police (PNP) rules, admitted his prolonged stay as provincial police chief could hurt his chances for promotion.
 
However, Barot explained, it is always the prerogative of the Police Director General whether or not he may be given an extended tour of duty.
 
“Being a good follower, I will await any order from Camp Crame (PNP Headquarters), but definitely I cannot leave my post without any relief order,” Barot stressed.
 
The PNP routinely conducts reshuffling to ensure the neutrality of police officers during the election period, Barot said.
 
Under the rules of the PNP, a chief of police would serve in their assigned post for two consecutive years and will be given another assignment after that.
 
So far, Barot said he has not received any “feelers” regarding his next posting as Camp Crame officials are the ones who decide the matter.
 
The PPOC meeting on Tuesday at the Crab House Restaurant saw the passage of a resolution asking the PNP national headquarters to extend Barot’s posting in Bohol even as there are some quarters who oppose the extension.
 
Barot said in the interview that he respects those who express critical views on his handling of the Bohol police force.
 
The provincial police chief came under fire recently by Tagbilaran Mayor Dan Lim after Barot relieved Supt. Gil Del Prado from the Tagbilaran City Police Station just two days after a broad daylight double robbery perpetrated by 8 alleged members of the Alferez crime syndicate of Ozamis City right at the heart of the city’s business district.
 
“Relieving Del Prado is a command decision, which others consider a biased and unfair action. But let me say that similar action have been taken by other police commanders for the failure of their subordinates to act on situations akin that of the City Square heist,” Barot explained.

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