PRO-8 installs new director

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines – Chief Superintendent Jose Erwin Villacorte on Monday formally assumed office as regional director of the Police Regional Office-8.

The installation of Villacorte was schedule last December 18, but was postponed after some politicians in Leyte asked for some clarifications then.

Finally, Villacorte, during a turnover ceremony, took the PRO-8 command replacing Chief Supt. Asher Dolina, his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy Class ’83.

Villacorte immediately conducted his first command conference with regional police officials, vowing to topple down the private armed groups in Samar province, particularly in the first district where the killings continue to this day.

The latest incident was on January 2 at Barangay Agosto 14 in Gandara town, Samar where a certain Charlon Ocong gunned down ex-Army soldier, both of whom were Liberal Party leaders in the province.

“I have to admit that this area has been identified as problematic in so far as killings are concerned. So, dahil days more to go election period na, the redeployment of troops and the installation of check-points will be one of my priorities,” Villacorte said.

Before his assignment at PRO-8, Villacorte was head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and was already detailed here for three years during his time as a junior officer.

He said he is hoping now that he will finish his police service in this region, because it is only two years from now that he will be retiring.

At this time, Villacorte asked for the cooperation of his men and the community in the war against crimes. He also warned politicians from holding on police escorts who he said will be recalled before January 10, the start of the election period, unless the Comelec approves it otherwise.

Villacorte clarrified to The Freeman there were no pressures of any sort from the DILG regarding the enforcement of the law, considering that Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento is a native of Calbayog City, Samar.

“I only ask my men to work properly and enforce the law so we can achieve a peaceful and credible elections,” added Villacorte. (FREEMAN)