When P/Supt. Alberto Pabalan was director of the 609th PNP Mobile Group based in Dumangas, Iloilo, he devoted most of his troops to performing security detail work for Rep. Ferjenel Biron and his father, Barotac Nuevo mayor Hernan Biron. Anywhere the Birons went, battle-ready policemen also rode shotgun for them, creating the ugly impression that this police unit had become the personal security group of the father-and-son tandem. Pabalan ignored repeated reprimands and continued to violate operational guidelines of the PNP on VIP security. it became apparent that Pabalan was beholden to the Birons, which is why they made sure he stayed on as group chief of the 609th Mobile Group even though he broke the rules.
The only rule that the Birons weren’t able to bend was the two-year maximum term for an assignment, and about two months ago, Pabalan was forced to relinquish his coveted post. He was transferred to the Iloilo City Mobile Group, his present assignment. Many thought that was the end of Pabalan’s relationship with the Birons. He no longer held the rein of leadership for the police unit which had jurisdiction over the 4th congressional district. His assignment as group director for the Iloilo City Mobile Group was certain to demand his full time and energy, as the city was beset by seemingly unstoppable criminality. But Pabalan must really consider the Birons special to his heart. He is still very much attached to the father-and-son political tandem.
This was proven correct by a special investigative team of Bombo Radyo led by reporter Peter John Beyasca, more popularly known to radio listers as “Bombo PJB”, in the morning of Monday, Oct. 19. Acting on a lead provided by listeners, PJB went to the Biron palace in the Bankers Village Subdivision in Jaro, Iloilo City to verify a report that a patrol vehicle of the 609th Mobile Group was frequently seen there. Perhaps PJB entertained the idea the tipster must have referred to previous occasions when Pabalan was still head of the 609th Mobile Group. PJB was surprised to see that the report was true, except but it wasn’t the patrol vehicle of the 609th Mobile Group that he saw. The vehicle had the markings of the ICMG!
What was the patrol vehicle doing there at 9:30 o’ clock in the morning? Was Pabalan just paying a social visit? How many policemen did Pabalan bring to the place and serve as security? How often does he send his men there? These are just a few of the questions that this discovery made by PJB should raise. Has Pabalan turned his new assignment as the new personal security group of the Birons? Who are the enemies of the Birons to require such a big well-armed security force paid for by the government? Kidnappers? Or voters?
This is definitely a serious matter that the PNP hierarchy under Director General Jesus Versoza should investigate. Everybody is aware that the city is confronted by a high incidence of crimes, and every warm body in the PNP is needed to protect and guard the public safety. Pabalan should be made to explain why he detached a patrol vehicle from its more important duties and made his policemen act as bodyguards.
Pabalan was the same CO when his man died escorting ferjie. What did he do? Create a paper for media purposes that a VIP requested the man’s services. Your boss has no conscience. You might still have a chance.
Pabalan has displayed lack of professionalism. If he is more inclined to serve as bodyguard of the Birons, then he should resign from the uniformed service. He can’t provide protection for the Birons at the expense of the taxpayer.