‘Retain P’sinan police head’

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — No vacancy.

This is the terse message of Pangasinan leaders to four police officers who are reportedly lobbying for the provincial police directorship amid the nationwide reshuffle of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Instead, Gov. Victor Agbayani and local leaders belonging to Biskeg na Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan), led by former Sto. Tomas mayor Antonio Villar Jr., want Senior Superintendent Mario Sandiego to stay on as provincial police director.

In a letter dated Sept. 10, Agbayani told PNP chief Deputy Director General Edgar Aglipay that a change in police leadership in the province now "will do more harm than good to our development efforts, which are anchored on a sustained and effective peace and order campaign."

Copies of the letter were furnished to President Arroyo, Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes and Chief Superintendent Claudio Cabreros, Region 1 (Ilocos) police director.

Agbayani commended Sandiego for boosting public trust and confidence in the police and improving peace and order in the province.

He said Sandiego has consistently forged strong partnerships not only with local governments but also with civic and non-government groups, the media, the academe and other sectors.

Lawyer Virgilio Solis, provincial administrator, told The STAR a number of aspirants have paid Agbayani a courtesy call.

Biskeg na Pangasinan, a powerful bloc of local elected officials and leaders, has also thrown their support behind Sandiego.

In a resolution, the group said Sandiego, in his short stint as provincial police director, has initiated various programs aiming to improve police service to the community.

Sandiego, a lawyer and a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1977, took over the helm of the provincial police on June 19, 2003.

Villar admitted that several police officers had lobbied for Sandiego’s position and sought Biskeg’s endorsement even before the May 10 polls.

As a matter of PNP policy and practice, a provincial police director serves for a maximum of two years, but in some cases, the term can be extended to three years.

Reached for comment, Sandiego said he is elated by the support of local officials for his retention.

"I feel humbled. I am glad they recognize my efforts. I just continue to do my best," he said.

But as an officer and a gentleman, Sandiego said he would follow his superiors’ orders.