CCPO gets new director

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) welcomed a new city director yesterday.

Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog handed to Police Colonel Antonietto Y. Cañete, former chief of the Police Regional Office-7 Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, the CCPO reins of command in a turnover ceremony at Camp Sotero Cabahug.

Dalogdog, on the other hand, is transferred to the PRO-7 headquarters.

Cañete, originally from Bantayan Island, Cebu, graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in 1997.

Prior to being named as the new CCPO director, he was the chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division of PRO-5 as well as the head of the PRO-8 Learning and Doctrine Development Division.

During the turnover ceremony, Cañete officially outlined his directives as the new city director, focusing on combating illegal drugs, increasing police visibility, reducing crime rates, and collaborating with non-governmental organizations.

“My first priority is increased visibility. Kinakailangan yung police nasa daan, mga intelligence (operatives huwag mag-stay sa opisina, labas kayo,” he said.

He also said that he wanted his personnel to focus more on crime prevention measures to ensure that any crimes that do occur are minimal in number and are quickly resolved.

Cañete also warned the police that he would be stricter in enforcing the anti-illegal drug campaign and that he would not be lenient with any officers caught violating it.

“Mag-ingat ka sa akin pagdating sa illegal drugs. Wala tayong kapatawaran diyan, big no, no on that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dalogdog expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone who supported him during his one year and nine months as CCPO chief, emphasizing that the turnover ceremony marked his "graceful exit."

“I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Your support, encouragement and unwavering commitment have touched me deeply and I will carry these memories with me as I embark on the next chapter of my career and personal life,” he said.

In the same ceremony PRO-7 Director Anthony Aberin said his expectation is high for Cañete, given Dalogdog's substantial contributions as CCPO director, while emphasizing his trust and confidence in the new leadership, especially on Cañete’s ability to prevent and solve crimes.

“We expect so much from you. You have to continue the good things that the outgoing city director has done. You must continue an aggressive campaign against all forms of criminality,” said Aberin.

Aberin also reminded the policemen to maintain their visibility throughout the city, as they serve the community and build strong relationships with residents.

“I want everyone na ‘pag nandiyan tayo sa kalsada as police visibility personnel, I want that you will be felt by the community. You must interact with them, respect everyone. Hindi kayo ang siga sa kalsada, sila ng boss natin hindi kayo ang boss nila,” he said.

CITY HALL SUPPORT

Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia, on the other hand, welcomed the new police chief, pledging continued Cebu City Hall support for law enforcement initiatives.

In a message read by Acting City Administrator Kristine Joyce Batucan, he said that as it was with Dalogdog before him, Can?ete should expect an all-out support from the City Government.

“The City of Cebu assures you of our support as Colonel Dalogdog can attest with the mobility assets and various firearms we recently provided…. The Philippine National Police is our partner in developing and achieving our vision for the city,” he said.

Batucan also conveyed the acting mayor's expectations for Canete, which is to build upon the legacy and encourage the police force to strive for even greater achievements.

She reiterated what acting Mayor Garcia said before the men and women of CCPO when he visited their headquarters last May 14, that City Hall expects improved police visibility everywhere in the city. (CEBU NEWS)