Region 7 PNP gets new director

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office-7 will have its new regional director starting today as the outgoing regional director, Chief Supt. Prudencio Tom Bañas, moves to another area after 18 months in Central Visayas.

Bañas confirmed the movement yesterday and said Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan from the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management in Camp Crame will take his place. He is yet to receive his new assignment.

The turn-over is scheduled today at the PRO-7 grounds.

Bañas admitted being surprised by the movement, saying he still has many plans for the region. As a good soldier, however, he ought to follow orders and can only hope Gaerlan will continue the programs he has put in place here.

“Especially our anti-illegal drugs campaign that he can do better, so much better, for the region and the people in Central Visayas and baka  may mga bago pa naman siyang innovation na pwede pa naman niyang i-establish for the benefit of the region,” Bañas said.

PRO-7 was awarded best police unit for its campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms under Bañas leadership.

The office was able to conduct 4,892 anti-illegal drug operations that resulted to the arrest of 6,679 suspects. A total of 27,722.13 grams of illegal drugs worth P307,320,062.52 was seized during these operations.

Bañas thanked the police personnel in Central Visayas who rose up to his challenge in intensifying their campaign against illegal drugs, loose firearms and illegal gambling, as well as the people who helped policemen in their campaign.

He described his stay in Region 7 as “challenging and exciting”, making special mention of securing big events in Cebu such as the Asia Pacific Economic (APEC) Summit. – (FREEMAN)