NEW TOP COP. Lt. Col. Joefel Siason is interviewed by the local media following his assumption as the new Koronadal City chief of police on Monday. (Photo from the Koronadal City Police Facebook page)
KORONADAL CITY -- The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 has designated a new chief of police for this city, the second since the controversial drinking and gambling session inside the police station early this year.
Lt. Col. Joefel Siason assumed on Monday as the new acting chief of police, replacing Lt. Col. Rey Egos, who held the post for four months.
PRO-12 assigned Egos as Siason’s replacement at the Tacurong City police station in Sultan Kudarat.
During the turnover ceremony graced by Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo Ogena, Egos credited his “successful” stint here to the cooperation of the local government and local police personnel.
“My four months of tour of duty as acting chief of police was very challenging and it gave me significant experiences that fully tested my decision-making,” Egos said.
He said the complexity of police work and the fast-changing needs of the city made his assignment in the area “colorful”.
Egos was designated as chief of police here in early April following the relief of then-police chief, Lt. Col. Benjiel Kirby Bajo, following a viral video showing an alleged drinking and gambling session inside the police station.
The video, which was taken by media workers, showed Bajo and several police personnel in uniform and civilian clothes playing cards with bets and drinking liquor inside the city police station.
Siason, who hails from the city, called for continuous support from local personnel and the community for its operations and activities.
“It is my honor to serve my hometown,” Siason said, adding he is open to criticisms if ever there are lapses in his leadership.
Siason said he will focus on addressing various crimes affecting the area, among them illegal drugs, illegal gambling, motorcycle theft, and robbery. He also vowed to intensify the operations against wanted personalities.
Siason also warned the “hard-headed” members of the local police they will be sanctioned if they don't keep up with their duties and responsibilities. (PNA)
