Region safer since start of war vs drugs

The Police Regional Office-7 is among the best police units when it comes to fighting crime and illegal drugs, this according to Philippine National Police Deputy Director General Archie Francisco Gamboa who said that since the war on drugs started two years ago, the PRO-7 community has become “more peaceful and safer.”

Gamboa was here to represent PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde during yesterday’s celebration of the PRO-7’s 117th Police Service anniversary.

PRO-7 also conferred 20 different awards to deserving policemen and police stations during the celebration.

Gamboa, who also led the awarding of the policemen and units, told awardees that numbers do not matter but dedication.

Awarded for the best Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) category were former Mandaue City Police director Roberto Alanas for Best Senior PCO for Administration and former Cebu City Police Office director Joel Doria for Operations.

Senior Inspector Junafe Vergara was recognized as Best Junior PCO for Administration and Chief Inspector Gerard Ace Pelare for Operations, both from the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Best Police Non-Commissioned Officer (PNCO) for Administration was Senior Police Officer 4 Vincent Aguanta, for Operations it was SPO4 Celso Gabunada. Best Junior PNCO for Administration was Police Officer 2 Janeth Moralde while for Operations it was PO3 Phil Restauro.

Best Non-Uniformed Personnel was Chereyll Penoliar from the PRO-7 Investigation and Detective Management Division.

Hailed as Best Police Provincial Office was the Bohol Provincial Police Office, while CCPO bagged best City Police Office, Women and Children’s Protection Desk, Human Rights Affairs Office and Police Strategy Management Unit, and City Mobile Force Company, as well as Best Police Station for the Abellana Police Station.

The Best Component City Police Station award went to Danao City, while the best Municipal Police Station award went to Consolacion.

Former City Intelligence Branch chief Christopher Navida was also recognized for his exemplary accomplishment in the campaign against illegal drugs, covering the period between January last year to April 30 this year.

Clydyl L. Avila/BRP

SAFER

Amid public backlash on the recent spate of killings Gamboa recognized the efforts of the regional headquarters.

“Despite continuing criticisms from our detractors and other challenges that we face in our journey of service, I want to say that the Philippine National Police has emerged victorious on many fronts these past two years, resulting in more peaceful and safer communities,” a portion of his speech read.

Doria said he was grateful to all the personnel of his previous unit. He said he owed the award to all those who supported his campaign against illegal drugs, called Oplan Pokemon, that was also recognized by the Metrobank Foundation.

This despite less support from the local city government, under the leadership of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña who was recently reported to be involved in a “word war” between new CCPO Director Royina Garma and PRO-7 Director Debold Sinas over the spate of killings.

“Kahit pa man wala tayong masyadong support na nakuha sa city government we are still able to perform our mandates by being resourceful and maximizing all available assets,” he said.

Upon knowing there is a budget for police support amounting to P15 million pending release, Garma said they have already reprocessed requests.

“It doesn’t mean na kapag walang money na ibibigay ay magiging inutil tayo, we will maximize our available resources and I am thankful din sa mga community na tumutulong,” she said.

Sinas said that they will continue to improve ways to fight crime and maximize available resources.