Davide Appoints New PENRO Chief

Following controversy surrounding Tribunalo Baltazar’s leadership at the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Gov. Hilario Davide III has appointed a new chief to the said office.

Davide, in a memorandum dated November 8, appointed Rodel Bontuyan, supervising Environmental Management specialist, as Penro’s acting chief, replacing Baltazar.

“In exigency of the service, you are hereby designated effective November 8, 2017, as officer-in-charge of (PENRO), until further orders from the Governor,” read Davide’s memorandum.

The new appointment came at the height of the issues hounding Baltazar, who was both head of Penro and the Provincial Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO). He was charged by his female subordinate for allegedly touching her buttocks during last June’s meeting.

Baltazar however denied the allegation when he met with Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who chairs the Provincial Women’s Council, where the complaint was lodged.

For his part, Davide defended Baltazar, saying he could not believe the PDDRMO chief could do such a malicious act. He said there could be people who might have a grudge against him.