PNP installs new police director in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=924832&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city,%20zamboanga%20del%20sur&andor=and&mdte_arch=9&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Sept. 21 (PNA) –- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has installed a seasoned and senior officer as the new police director in this province.

Senior Supt. Jonathan Ablang, deputy regional director for administration (DRDA), in a fitting ceremony on Tuesday installed Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre as the new provincial police director.

Ecaldre has replaced Senior Supt. Michael Nicolas, who served as the provincial police director from Oct. 7, 2015 until Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016.

Ablang has commended Nicolas for his good accomplishment in the implementation of the Project Double Barrel.

Ablang, the second in command in the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9), represented Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, PRO-9 director, in the turnover ceremony since the latter was attending an important matter.

“When we look at the overall accomplishments of Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office in its law enforcement operations, it is apparent that Senior Supt. Nicolas and his team have contributed vastly to the attainment of the implementation of the Project Double Barrel. On this note, the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office took on the challenge and performed brilliantly. Senior Supt. Nicolas has done excellent job in leading his men in ensuring public safety and on the employment of crime prevention measures in maintaining the peace and security of the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur,” Ablang said.

He said the change in the leadership is normal in the PNP organization, which is geared towards best service to the people whom “we pledge to serve and protect.

Ablang described Ecaldre, the police community relations officer of PRO-9, as “a co-equal gentleman and a great leader” to lead the police provincial command.

Ecaldre expressed his gratitude for the trust given him by his superiors to serve again in the position he once served.

Ecaldre has served as the police director of this province from September 5, 2013 to October 6, 2015 before he was named as the deputy regional director for police community relations of PRO-9.

He called on the police officers and men of this province to support him in carrying out the mandated task especially in the campaign against illegal drugs, which is being spearheaded by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I know na magaling tayong lahat pero the question is, are we credible in performing our duties and responsibilities? Magaling nga tayo pero matino ba? This is our great challenge to also police our ranks in order to be credible and trusted by the people whom we serve,” Ecaldre said.

The turnover ceremony was witnessed by provincial and city government and military officials as well as other police officials and personnel based in this province.(PNA)
JMC/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION