Iloilo Provincial Police Office Director Senior Supt. Gil Lebin has been overstaying in his post but Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. wants him to stay because of his good performance and not due to politics.

Defensor said he is now waiting for a reply to his written request for extension addressed to Philippine National Police Chief Nicanor Bartolome and Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) based in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

But, if the PNP will not grant his request, he can't do anything about it, said Defensor.

Usually, city and provincial police director are given two years in a particular position. Lebin's two-year term as IPPO director has expired last August.

"I'm satisfied with his performance in implementing the campaigns against illegal activities," he said in a recent interview.

However, he admitted that illegal gambling still operates in the province.

Defensor clarified that politics has nothing to do with his desire to extend Lebin's term.

He added that the provincial police force can testify that he has never ordered them to vote for a particular politician during the elections.

"Our PNP will remain apolitical and will focus on maintaining peace and order in the province," he said.*