Negros Oriental police reshuffle involving Col. Patay sparks viral wordplay

A leadership shakeup in the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office has become the latest backdrop for viral Filipino wordplay on social media, even as authorities stress discipline and accountability following a deadly police-involved shooting.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay ordered the administrative relief of Police Col. Criscente C. Tiguelo after a police officer allegedly shot a civilian and three fellow officers in Sibulan on 8 January.

The incident prompted a formal investigation and disciplinary actions within the Philippine National Police.

To ensure continuity of operations, Police Col. Timmar Alam was designated officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental police on 2 February, replacing Police Col. Lito E. Patay in an interim leadership role. The transition ceremony highlighted renewed commitments to public safety and intensified anti-drug operations.

While official coverage has centered on accountability and professional conduct within the police force, social media users have fixated on the names cited in the administrative orders. In Filipino, “Lito E. Patay” loosely reads as “lito e patay,” a phrase that can be humorously interpreted as “confused and dead,” prompting memes, jokes, and mock headlines on platforms such as Facebook and X.

Users have circulated playful graphics and satirical captions referencing the coincidence, even as police officials emphasized that the incident underscores serious concerns about discipline and public trust.

The PNP has reiterated its call for police units nationwide to uphold professionalism and strict supervision, with Chief Nartatez stressing ethics and accountability as key priorities for 2026.