CEBU CITY -- The chief of Cebu Provincial Police Office (CCPO) was relieved from his post a few days after he practically expressed support for the controversial executive order (EO) of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Col. Engelbert Soriano was relieved as CPPO chief effective June 12.
In a statement released by Camp Crame, Soriano was relieved pursuant to the provisions of Philippine National Police (PNP) Memorandum Circular 2022-002.
The memorandum circular states that a provincial director, city director or chief of police of the National Capital Region Police Office shall be held by a Police Colonel for a continuous period of one year, extendible to a maximum of three months upon approval by the Chief PNP.
“This is for career advancement and to give greater opportunity to other qualified Third Level PCOs (Police Commissioned Officers). P/Col. Soriano served as PD, CCPO (Cebu City Police Office) for more than one year,” read the statement.
Soriano was named CPPO chief in April 2021. He also had stints as chief of the CCPO and Siquijor Police Provincial Office.
Soriano appeared to have bade goodbye through a Facebook post on Tuesday.
“Thank you Sugbo. My heart will always belong here. See you soon,” he said.
Soriano figured in a virtual disagreement with the chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) when he expressed support for Garcia's EO that made the wearing of face masks in open areas optional.
“The PNP is mandated to enforce the law. Hence, Cebu PPO will support whatever is legal and supported by existing laws. EO 16 of Cebu signed by Hon. Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia remains the law as far as Cebu province is concerned and we recognize that, unless it is later on invalidated by proper authority,” Soriano had said.
Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega, chief of PRO 7, had a different stand on the issue, complying with the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which rejected Garcia’s EO.
The DILG has instructed the police to apprehend, confront or arrest, if necessary, those who will violate the face mask policy.
“In compliance with the DILG directives, PRO 7 continues to remind the public to observe the minimum public health standards which include the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places as set by IATF-MEID guidelines,” Roque said then.