Ranks Higher

CEBU - The socio-economic development of a place depends so much on the quality of people in the law enforcement agency, valuable to create an environment suitable for investment, commerce and even the smallest type of business.

So goes the words of National Police Commission-7 regional director Bernardo Calibo in the agency’s thrust to compliment the “Mamang/Aling Pulis” program of the Philippine National Police.

However, these words seem to be taken for granted by some of the members of the PNP. As they report to their office each day, some look at their work as a routine or with no more value other than a plain job.

But there are those who dream further, longing to push themselves to the limit or wanting to go beyond themselves and make a mark in the organization.

Beauty, wit and skill — from PO1 to Police Inspector

Seven ranks higher!? PO1 Mercy Dinglasa Villaro is now Police Inspector as she was among the 62 non-commissioned police officers in Central Visayas who took their oath last week as successful lateral entrants.

The 28-year-old Villaro, with roots here in Cebu and in Bais City, said the promotion may look like “magic” but the path was not easy, starting with the process of getting into the organization.

She said her dream of becoming a policewoman started with the very dignified image she sees on her father, retired Senior Insp. Godofredo Villaro, as he reports to work at the PNP Crime Laboratory each day.

Mercy took up Bachelor of Science in Criminology at the University of Cebu and passed the licensure examination in 2001.

After acquiring her eligibilities, she applied during the December 2002 recruitment but was unfortunately not enlisted.

She then reapplied in May 2003 and after undergoing what seemed to her as “rock climbing” processes, she finally became a PO1.

For five years, she was exposed to the “ins and outs” of law enforcement, particularly in handling cases involving women and children.

Other than that, Mercy said, she was trained by the Cebu City Police Office to hone her skills in marksmanship.

And so she gained recognition for such.

No less than Police Regional Office-7 regional director Ronald Roderos acted as adviser to Villaro, telling her to expect many more interviews and exposure to the media as part of the “package” of being an officer.

Mercy had already received a commendation for placing eighth in the female category of a firing competition at the national level in 2004.

After that, she became a Level 6 champion in the Cebu City Shooting Competition in 2006 and received as an award a Magnum .357 revolver from Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Now that she is already an officer, Villaro said she wants to make a difference in the field of handling cases on women and children.

For her, there really is a need for better officers and personnel to handle cases involving women and children since this sector remains to be the most affected in society.

Another challenge for her is to find a partner in life who may be able to understand her work and who will not be intimidated by what she has achieved for now.

But that, Villaro said, will just have to wait.

Police Inspector is born leader.

Meanwhile, Police Insp. Eduard Anunciado Sanchez of barangay Tubod, Minglanilla town finds 2008 a lucky year for him.

January 16 this year, he was promoted to PO3 from PO2. He jumped five ranks higher to becoming Police Inspector recently. Also, his wife Asel is about to deliver their second child.

Sanchez said that the mighty force in heaven is just so kind to him, that it stood by him to the path leading to his dream —to serve by means of leadership.

“I am very grateful to the Lord for giving me this chance to serve and also to Sir Lomente and Sir Roderos, who also acted as my advisers/mentors,” Sanchez said, referring to Sr. Inspector Noel Lomente.

Sanchez is a born leader, starting with his chairmanship of the Sangguniang Kabataan in his barangay from 1993 to 1996, and moving on to winning a seat in the barangay council.

In the University of the Visayas, Sanchez gained a reputation for being a tough and strict police intern. That made him chief of all police interns from 1996 to 1997.

Since he was admitted into service in the year 1999, Sanchez served as the driver of Roderos when the latter was then the deputy regional director for administration.

According to Sanchez, he looks up to Roderos in terms of public relations and sense of leadership.

“He always inspires me to become an officer,” Sanchez said.

Although his being a licensed criminologist gave him an edge over other policemen, he said it doesn’t mean that the others cannot achieve the rank of an officer.

“There are several ways and one just have to be resourceful, patient, God-fearing, and ready to sacrifice,” Sanchez added.

As an officer now, Sanchez said it is sad to note that he is to give up his assignment as Roderos’ driver. But he is also positive, just like Villaro, that he may be able to make a difference with the rank he now possesses in realizing the vision of having a clean, reliable, and dignified PNP organization. —/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)