BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – Amid circulating rumors about the potential removal of the city’s police director, Mayor Jerry Treñas has openly expressed satisfaction with the performance of Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica.
According to the city’s chief executive, he has not requested a leadership change in the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), emphasizing his approval of Coronica’s work, particularly in the campaign against illegal drug activities.
“First of all, the rumors did not originate from me,” stressed Treñas.
The rumors mushroomed following the tragic incident involving an ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) member, Police Staff Sergeant Michael Malan, who was fatally shot during a drug buy-bust operation on Oct. 29.
“I have not made any request for his (Coronica’s) removal. In fact, under his leadership, we have successfully curbed a significant amount of illegal drug activities,” said Treñas.
He added: “I am very pleased with that and with his overall performance.”
Coronica was made ICPO director on Jan. 26 this year. His previous post was at the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Six months after, in July, the ICPO under Coronica was recognized by the PRO-6 as an outstanding city police office in the field of police community relations.
The police director said he was happy that the ICPO regained the trust and confidence of the community.
As for Malan, Mayor Treñas has offered a job to the cop’s widow, providing an opportunity for her to stay in the country.
“It is very unfortunate nga natabo to kay Sergeant Malan. Ang biyuda ni Sergeant Malan nagkadto sa akon antis siya maglakat and we offered her a job kun indi na siya magbalik (abroad) para nga maupod na lang siya sa bata ya,” disclosed the mayor./PN
