Several police chiefs in various towns across Pangasinan have been reassigned as part of a reshuffling order, starting Wednesday, October 8, 2024.

Among those affected are the police chiefs in Mangatarem and Aguilar.

PCpt. Renan Dela Cruz, spokesperson of the Pangasinan Provincial Police Office (PPO), said the reshuffling is due to the "tenure of offices," where police chiefs who have served for two years must be replaced.

“Dapat palitan para magkaroon ng chance ang iba na maipakita nila ang kanilang skills and leadership,” Dela Cruz said.

While extensions may be granted if requested by the local chief executive, these must still follow the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) guidelines.

Dela Cruz assured the public that the reshuffling is not related to political or election issues.

“Ito po ay walang kinalaman sa pulitika o eleksyon po,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 1 is also preparing for possible reshuffling of election officers, especially those with relatives running in the 2025 midterm elections.

“Siguro doon na lang sa mga may problema, for example, may relative sila na candidate, natural lang na dapat silang ilipat sa ibang bayan o syudad,” Atty. Reddy Balarbar, Assistant Election Director of COMELEC-1, said.

Some election officers are already set for reassignment, with more likely to follow once the final list of candidates is released.