PRO7 holds Relinquishment of Command Ceremony

Former Deputy Regional Director for Administration returns back as the 50th Regional Director of Police Regional Office 7.

PCSupt Marcelo Poyaoan Garbo Jr., a graduate of Philippine Military Academy “the Dimalupig “ Class of ‘81 assumed office after PCSupt Ager Poblador Ontog Jr. relinquished his post on September 26, 2011 at PRO7 Headquarters. Officiating the turn-over of office-symbol, property and equipment inventory and transformation torch is the newly installed Chief of the Philippine National Police, PDG Nicanor Ancheta Bartolome.

The outgoing Regional Director who served one year, one month and twelve days delighted with the support of his personnel. He shared his achievements with the Command Group, Directorial Staffs, Provincial and City Directors, Chiefs from the National Support Units, all PNP personnel and NUP of PRO7. PCSupt Ontog also expressed his gratitude to all the chief executives and officials in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Siquijor, other law enforcement agencies, from the NGOs and the community for being supportive and active counterparts in maintaining peace and order.

No less than PDG Bartolome, PNP Chief handed the Medalya Ng Katapatan sa Paglilingkod (PNP Distinguished Service Medal) to PCSupt Ontog for his invaluable service rendered as the Regional Director from August 14, 2010 to September 26, 2011. He was commended for his accomplishments in the conduct of skills enhancement for PRO7 personnel, unit training and career courses to be more effective in coping with the demands of law enforcement and peacekeeping. He also ensured that PCR programs were continuously conducted to strengthen police-community relations. Among his notable accomplishments include the foiled robbery at Robinson’s Place on September 5, 2011 resulting to the death of three robbery suspects and the recovery of P1.2 million pesos cash; confiscation of three bricks of cocaine worth P1.4 million pesos on April 16, 2011 in Lapu-lapu City and the recovery of one brick of cocaine in a buy-bust operation in Mandaue City on March 31, 2011; relentless campaigns in the implementation of the Environmental Law which confiscated more or less five million pesos worth of various species of sea corals; and PNP Regional Anti-Trafficking Task Force with PCSupt Ontog as the Task Force Head was awarded by President  Benigno Aquino S III on August 2011 for leading the fight against Human Trafficking with three hundred six girls (306) rescued and twenty four (24) perpetrators arrested and filed cases in court.  

PCSupt Ontog’s time in PRO7 ended, but his days of public service still continue as the new Directorate for Intelligence in National Headquarters.

“It’s good to be back! I have never imagined that I will be assigned again here at PRO7…But God works in wonderful ways that He has given me a second chance to serve the people of Central Visayas” revealed by the new Regional Director during his acceptance speech. He assured to lead PRO7 to the best of his abilities and to serve and protect the people in the best way possible.

As the new Regional Director, PCSupt Garbo directed PSSupt Louie T Oppus, PRO7 Deputy Regional Director for Operations to take the lead in operationalizing the Chief PNP’s 10-point Action Program. PSSupt Oppus tasked to formulate and develop implementing plans for sustaining the gains of the Integrated Transformation Program-Performance Governance System, implementing Performance Audit, strengthening police supervision at the barangay level, promoting rights-based policing and arresting wanted persons through aggressive service of warrants and police operations.

PCSupt Garbo also instructed PCSupt Samuel M Yordan, PRO7 Deputy Regional Director for Administration to be the driving force in developing competencies as well as enhancing individual skills specializing in investigation, resource management and disaster response; enhancing the procurement, financial and logistics management systems; continuing the build-up of police equipage; strengthening the disciplinary as well as the rewards systems; and enhancing morale and welfare projects of PRO7.

With the new administration, the new regional director disclosed that it will be anchored on the “Whole of Region Approach”- a concept based on cooperation, collaboration and consultation with PRO7’s partners and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the highest rank in the PNP organization, PDG Bartolome reminded the new regional director of the policy regarding the one thousand pesos maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) that will serve as a basis for the proper allotment and distribution of funds among police stations in Central Visayas. Likewise, the accounting and service of warrant of arrests should be effectively carried-out. He also instructed to implement his 10-point administrative and operational priorities from the regional level down to the lowest levels of municipality and police stations. 

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, police officials, government officials, families, friends and media.