Ilocos Sur PNP head axed; officials caught by surprise

By Mar T. Supnad

CAMP QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur- The Commission on Elections approved last week the changing of the provincial police director here in what was viewed by some provincial officials as a “political move.”

Upon endorsement of top Philippine National Police officials in Crame, the Comelec approved the designation of Senior Supt. Dennis L. Basngi, as officer in charge of Ilocos Sur police, replacing Senior Supt. Samuel Amoyen who was OIC for few months.

Basngi’s sudden designation as Ilocos Sur PNP chief caught provincial officials by surprise since he is unknown in Ilocos Sur and had not yet been detailed in the province, dubbed by the Comelec as one of “areas of concern.”

Newsmen learned that Basngi was personally and suddenly endorsed by PNP chief Alan Purisima to Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, after the former had reportedly called up the former.

Basngi is reportedly a friend of Mayor Roque Versoza of Tagudin town who is running for governor but unknown to Singson.

Basngi was reportedly earlier detailed in Region 10 in Mindanao.

Prior to this, a peaceful covenant was signed by political leaders led by Rep. Ryan Singson and Versoza in the province to ensure honest and peaceful election in this once troubled province.

A political kingpin, Gov. Singson, did not file for reelection and designated his son Ryan Singson, incumbent congressman for 1st district to replace him.

Ryan is facing Versoza, once a close security aide of Gov. Singson.

Versoza’s running mate is former board member EfrenRafanan, also once a close political ally of the Singsons.

Ryan’s running mate is his father in law, incumbent and reelectionist Vice governor Deogracias Victor Savellano.