PRO-7 acting chief takes over

CEBU, Philippines - Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Jr. will leave Central Visayas “with a heavy heart” as he formally relinquished his post as Police Regional Office 7 director in a brief ceremony at the regional headquarters yesterday.

“My stint here in PRO-7 was very challenging but worthwhile despite the difficult circumstances. I will now leave with a heavy heart the beautiful provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental,” said Garbo in a speech at the ceremony.

Garbo assumed as PRO-7 director in September last year. He turned over yesterday the saber, the symbol of his authority, to Deputy Regional Director for Administration Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo.

“As I temporarily close the page of my diary with you, I will be happy to note that my stint as your big brother and regional director was really worth it,” Garbo added, as he mentioned a few of his accomplishments in PRO-7.

The outgoing PRO-7 director thanked those who made him a better police officer and even addressed those he has clashed with during his stint.

“To those I have pained and have caused problems and frustrations, trabaho lang po,” he said, later on ending his speech and handed over the book of his accomplishment to PNP Chief Alan Purisima.

Purisima, who served as the guest speaker, then awarded Garbo the Medalya ng Katapatan, as he congratulated him for his leadership in PRO-7.

“We congratulate Garbo for his outstanding stewardship in PRO-7 and wish Cerbo the best as he takes the challenges as the new PRO-7 head,” said Purisima.

Purisima said the PNP is still scouting for the permanent PRO-7 director.

“We’re still deliberating on this. We’re still scouting for probable officers who can lead PRO-7, maybe better than Garbo, if not at par,” the PNP Chief further said.

Meanwhile, Governor Hilario Davide III who also attended the ceremony said he will recommend a police officer should he be asked to.

For the meantime, he said he will still wait for any notice from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

“Paabot lang ta sa DILG kinsa’y itudlo. I have no name to recommend pa gyud... Well, mas maayo gyud kung nasuhito siya diri sa ato,” Davide said when asked if he wants a Cebuano chief.

The list of possible PRO-7 director reportedly includes Chief Superintendents Josephus Angan, Edgardo Ingking, Nicanor Constantino, Edgar Layon, and a certain Aquino.  (FREEMAN)