Police director bares plans
ILOILO CITY -- The incoming Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) head laid down on Tuesday his plans for the province once he formally assumes office on September 1.
In an interview shortly after his talk with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Col. Roland Vilela, regional controller division chief in Cagayan Valley and incoming IPPO director, said Defensor wants the police in the province to curb illegal fishing.
Vilela said he had dealt with illegal fishing when he was chief of police in Samal
City, Davao del Norte, assuring the governor that he will work on the matter in Iloilo province. Vilela also promised to “vigorously eradicate illegal drugs and other forms of criminalities,” “implement the municipal, provincial, and city ordinances,” apply “enforcement without fear or favor and enhance police operations.” He pledged to end “local communist insurgency,” and seek to “actively support the stakeholders including the stakeholders on peace, order, and development.” As he bared his plans to Iloilo, Vilela also asked the Ilonggos to do their share. “(They) have to follow the rules, the law, be a productive citizen of the locality for the betterment of the country,” he said. He also asked the locals to judge him through his performance and not his past. Vilela was accused of sexual misconduct in 2005 and 2007 but neither of the cases prospered. “What happened in the past, it was all speculations. A case was filed against me but it only reached the fiscal’s (office),” he said. He said he regrets his misdoings but he is now in “good relationship” with his former wife, Col. Royina Garma. As a “progressive person”, Vilela said he is looking forward to the future instead of dwelling in the past. The incoming police director is fluent in Hiligaynon since his mother is from Capiz province, he said. He thanked the governor for “selecting him among the recommended” and said he is looking forward to the challenges. “It will make or break me as an officer, and I am looking forward to the challenges with the ardent support of the media and the people, especially with the higher being. The task is enormous and I will not fail,” he said. Vilela is finishing a provincial director course at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. (PNA)