New PRO-7 chief vows to combat illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - One month after Chief Superintendent Danilo Constantino was reassigned to Camp Crame, Police Regional Office-7 finally found a new regional director in Chief Superintendent Prudencio “Tom” Bañas.

Bañas in his speech said he will intensify the fight against drug trafficking and declare an “all-out-war” against it.

He added that illegal drugs should be stopped; eliminating it must be prioritized and that there should be no compromise about it.

Bañas from the Human Rights Affairs Office based in Camp Crame has been directed by PNP Director General Alan Purisima to sit as the new PRO-7 regional director effective Monday.

However, he started reporting for work yesterday only after he received the order coming from  the PNP chief.

During a simple ceremony for his assumption of office, Bañas was welcomed by the key officers of the PRO-7 at the multi-purpose center in Camp Sergio Osmeña.

Senior Superintendent Orlando Ualat, the former officer-in-charge and the Deputy Regional Director for Administration, presented to him a sword and the record book symbolizing the office of the regional director.

Ualat has been designated as OIC pending the appointment of the new regional director.

In front of  his family and classmates from PMA class of 1983, Bañas outlined his goal being the new regional director in Central Visayas and thanked his predecessors, including Constantino and Chief Superintendent Marcelo Garbo.

He also lauded them for a job well done because Cebu had been given a Golden Eagle Award, the first regional office to receive such award for performing well in the Performance Governance System.

He said he will strengthen the competence of the PRO-7 personnel including all the uniformed and anon-uniformed personnel.

He said his leadership is that of a disciplinary leadership: quick to reward and promote those officers who are performing well but will punish those who are involved in monkey business.

He also said environmental protection is also one of his priorities and will work closely with Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for maritime enforcement.

Finally he said he will harness the support of the community because they are partners of the PNP.

He also said he is transparent and open to the media. — (FREEMAN)