In a major reshuffle, 375 police officers from Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) were ordered to report to Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) by PNP Chief General Rodulfo Azurin Jr.
The move came after the brutal assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and nine others on March 8, 2023.
Azurin said that he wanted to strengthen the security situation in Negros Oriental and prevent any retaliation or escalation of violence.
But the move of the PNP did not sit well with Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado. Other mayors of Bohol joined Aumentado’s sentiments of opposing the police transfer to Negros Oriental.
This developed after members of the Philippine Army engaged in an armed skirmishes with suspected communist-terrorists or NPAs in Hanopol, Balilihan, Bohol on Wednesday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Aumentado assured the public that despite the transfer of some police personnel, Bohol remains safe and peaceful.
During the emergency meeting with the mayors on Thursday, Aumentado also discussed with them the measures being taken to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has affected some parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
He urged them to cooperate with the authorities and follow the quarantine protocols.
