Inside Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City (PNA file photo)
CAMP SIMEON OLA, Legazpi City -- Internal cleansing among the police officers of Bicol Region is included in the agenda of Brig. Gen. Anthony Alcañeses, who formally assumed his post as acting regional director of the Police Regional Office-5 on Tuesday.
In a ceremony here, the new regional police official thanked acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa for the trust and confidence given to him to lead the men and women of PRO5.
Alcañeses said intensified internal cleansing within the rank and file of the Bicol police will be implemented in line with the mandate of the PNP leadership and to earn back the trust, professionalism and integrity of the organization.
"I know that the Bicol region is a truly challenging assignment considering the many issues that we have to address yet, I am confident with the help of men and women of this PRO, we can and we will succeed in our endeavors," Alcañeses said.
"We cannot serve if we are not trusted by our own people, it is imperative that we assure the public of our commitment to cleanse our ranks. We will implement discipline as part of internal cleansing strategy," he added.
Aside from internal cleansing, intensified anti-illegal drugs campaign will continue, he said.
"We will enforce the law without discrimination but we will do so with utmost respect for human rights," he said.
He added that the PNP will help in the effective implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive (EO) Order No. 70 to rid the region of communist insurgency.
"We shall follow the orders of the Chief Executive in the implementation of EO 70 and closer coordination with LGUs (local government units) and other stakeholders to finally put an end the insurgency in Bicol," Alcañeses said.
The new PRO5 director also urged the personnel of the regional police to do their jobs well.
"Remember your duty and the oath you took when you signed up to serve the Bicol people. Let us work together with God's help to cleanse our organization and redeem its image in the eyes of the people" in order to help realize the aspiration for a "safer and more peaceful Bicol region", he said.
Alcañeses, a member of the Philippine Military Academy's "Maringal" Class of 1988, replaced Brig. Gen. Arnel Escobal, who was appointed as the new head of the Aviation Security Group. (PNA)
