Gillamac assumes as CPPO director

CEBU, Philippines - Fighting women and children exploitation, protecting human rights, defending illegal drugs victims, and intensifying police presence across the province are among the priorities of newly installed Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac.

Gillamac assumed office yesterday morning following a formal turnover at the CPPO headquarters. He replaced Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador Jr. who will temporarily stay with the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 pending his next assignment from Camp Crame.

Gillamac said he will continue Comendador’s commendable streak at CPPO.

“Kung unsay gisugdan ni Col. Comendador ipadayon nato, as his accomplishments are worthy of bringing prestige in CPPO and for PRO-7,” Gillamac said.

“As mandated by the higher headquarters, I am strict in implementing efficient PNP coordination,” Gillamac added. He thanked the provincial government for trusting him to handle 44 towns and six component cities.

Gillamac graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy as member of the “Tagapaglingkod” class of 1987. He served at the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) for two years and 10 months and took over as chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resource and Development Division (RPHRDD) for a few months.

PRO7 Director Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino directed Gillamac to supervise his men personally, especially in the implementation of the Police Integrated Patrol System. He also advised the new CPPO chief to look after the welfare of his men.

“I also directed him to continue the target hardening measures so that we will be able to reduce crimes and address all threats (of the different threat groups),” Constantino said.

Governor Hilario Davide III who was present at the turnover said Gillamac has big shoes to fill.

“I know he is competent, effective, efficient, hard working and dedicated like Col. Comendador,” Davide said.

Meanwhile, Comendador said this is the first time in his career as a police official that he is spared from busy schedules. “First time nako nga naay bakante nga adlaw nga walay responsibilidad nga dako but I will do my personal things (This is the first time that I’m having a day without big responsibilities but I will use the time to attend to personal concerns),” he said.

Comendador served the CPPO for two years and five months. Then Governor Gwendolyn Garcia chose him in April 2011 over two other officials, Sr. Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr. and Sr. Supt. Edward Carranza.

Comendador once served as Cebu City Police Office director from January 2, 2007 to August 31, 2010. He was subsequently designated as chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD).

During his time as CPPO chief, the office was awarded for having the Best Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Operating Team nationwide and ranked second among police offices in the entire Philippines to have the most number of firearms confiscated. — (FREEMAN)