BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Col. Noel Aliño has been relieved of his post and assigned to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), a special probe unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The relief order was signed by Lt. Gen. Jon Arnaldo, chief of the PNP directorial staff.

Col. Joel Manuel Apelo, on the other hand, was transferred from the CIDG to the Police Regional Office 6.

As of Friday, it was not known if Apelo will replace Aliño as BCPO director, but Col. Ritchie Cruzero, BCPO deputy city director for administration, was temporarily tapped as officer in charge of the BCPO.

In a statement, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez said the relief of Aliño "is part of the PNP's promotion process."

"As part of their internal procedure, he will be transferred to CIDG Manila. We will wait for the official announcement from the office of the regional director regarding who will replace CD (City Director) Noel Aliño," the mayor said, through his spokesman Caesar Distrito on Friday.

"We express our gratitude to Col[onel] Aliño for his dedicated service and contributions to the safety and security of our city. He had done a commendable job during the duration of his stay here in the City of Smiles," the statement added.

A short list of replacements will be sent to the city mayor for approval.

"We look forward to working closely with the new city director to continue ensuring the welfare and protection of every Bacolodnon and maintain the utmost peace and order, and security of our city," the mayor said.