Outgoing PNP Provincial Director
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 20:11
Gov. Roel Ragay Degamo, Police Chief Supt. Ager Ontog Jr., our esteemed guests, friends from the media, ladies and gentlemen, good morning! I do really appreciate your taking time out to attend this occasion during which we will be saying our farewells in just a short while.
A day short of a year ago today, I formally assumed as your Provincial Director of the Philippine National Police in Negros Oriental. Following the inevitable course of events in the Province, which the late Gov. Agustin Perdices had so aptly described as “destiny”, and of which I became a part of, I stood here at this very same podium, eager and excited to serve all of you.
But as there is a beginning, there is always an end, and everything is determined by forces over which we have no control, according to Albert Einstein. I cannot begin telling you how difficult it is to describe how sad I am to be leaving.
When I first arrived here on Sept. 22, 2010 as your PNP Provincial Director, I never realized how connected I would be to such a warm community of people.
As I begin a new chapter in my chosen career, first off, let me extend my utmost gratitude to the people who have helped me, and the men and women of the Philippine National Police in Negros Oriental in achieving the goals that we had set.
I would like to put emphasis on the late former Gov. Agustin Perdices, for without his trust and confidence in picking me from the list of equally competent nominees as PNP Provincial Director to serve alongside his mandate, I would not have been able to get to know you all, and work with you, and for you.
Upon my assumption into office, our first order of the day, immediately after Task Force Kasaligan was created, was to address the problems of illegal gambling, illegal drugs, and criminality as a whole.
Modesty aside, we, and I say “we” because it is not just I but the entire composition of your Philippine National Police in Negros Oriental, have some record accomplishments that we can be proud of.
Let me now present to the people of Negros Oriental our accomplishments in the past year, as follows:
It is so timely that for this week, evaluators from NHQ PNP are here to conduct the Annual General Inspection. This is a way of gauging and evaluating the performance of Police units. Based on the PNP’s system of record-keeping on crime incidents, Negros Oriental PPO was able to bring down the crime volume by as much as 48 percent for the period July 2010 to June 2011, compared to the same period last year.
Taking a look at the crime incidence by month, one can observe the downward trend of crimes except for the months of July and August 2011, which is now the subject of the keen eyes of our peacekeepers.
Corollary to this is the noticeable increase in crime clearance and crime solution efficiency. This can be attributed to the tireless efforts of our Police personnel in the field through implementation of our police integrated patrol system, so as to ensure that every Negrense can sleep soundly, except those with insomnia.
On the campaign against illegal drugs, a total of 152 individuals, pushers and users alike, were arrested, and cases have been filed in court. I would like to credit these achievements not only to the men of NOPPO but also that of PDEA, NBI, CIDG and other law enforcement agencies.
On our continuous drive against illegal gambling, particularly, a total of 99 operators were arrested. This does not include those individuals who voluntarily chose to stop. The number of individuals engaged in illegal gambling has been dwindling based on the latest validation.
In an effort to bring justice, accounting for wanted persons led to the arrest of 407 persons with warrants of arrest which includes that of the 7th most wanted person in Region 7. Likewise, these efforts resulted also to the arrest of Danilo Badayos, secretary of the Southeastern front of the Communist terrorists.
Since we started to track down and crack those individuals reportedly involved in gun-for-hire, we were able to account already for four individuals, and the recovery/seizure of firearms/explosives from their possession and control.
These are just among the successful conduct of law enforcement duties by our men in the field.
Worthy to be taken cognizance also is the peaceful, honest and orderly conduct of the Barangay Election last October 2010 which recorded a zero-election-related violent incident.
The last months of 2010 was also occupied with overlapping major events like the Buglasan Festival, University Meet, and the CVRAA which all went through without any hitches. Thanks to all who made those events successful.
To forge further the close coordination and brotherhood of the AFP and the PNP, the joint peace and security coordinating center was organized, established, and mobilized. This was formally cemented with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the 302 BDE and NOPPO.
A lot more efforts have been undertaken, but allow me to mention a few of them. You know, for a period of one year, our Regional Director, PCSUPT. Ager Ontog has visited us several times, and in one of his visits, his words during his speech are still vivid in my mind. Allow me to quote you, Sir: “Alam mo Rey, every time I visit Negros Oriental, palaging may bagong ipinapakita itong si PS/Supt. Lawas at ang kapulisan dito. It is so because your police in Negros Oriental doesn’t stop thinking, even in their sleep, what more can be done for the people of Negros Oriental.”
We always try to be innovative and as much as possible, to go beyond the borders and normal way of policing and rendering public service. According to Christopher Columbus, “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”. With that in mind, it gives us then that attitude and determination to strive and take the risk. These had led us to some of these innovations.
To cater to the needs of tourists (both local and foreign), and help boost the tourism industry in the Province, the tourist police was organized and activated at the different cities and municipalities. In Dumaguete City, we do have a Tourist Assistance Center, thanks to our good mayor, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria. for all your support.
With the ever support of NORSU through its president, Dr. Henry Sojor, the Negros Oriental Police was afforded with additional skills on tourism, computer literacy, plumbing and carpentry, electricity, and automotive maintenance and troubleshooting. This, in turn, gave our policemen the chance to earn extra living aside from our regular duty. Thank you so much, Dr. Sojor.
The skills on the handling of firearms by our policemen was further enhanced with the help of the Dumaguete Shootists Association through its president Mr. Roy Cang. You can expect that you have responsible gun-holder policemen in your midst. Thank you very much, Roy.
To give more focus and broaden the scope of coverage, the pips were expanded with the creation of cops on board program. This is to provide the commuters a safer and more secure atmosphere.
To fast track the implementation of BGY peacekeeping action team, with the help of the LGUs, a trainors training seminar was conducted that would then pave the way for more trainors for BPATs. Thank you, Bais Mayor Karen Villanueva, La Libertad Mayor Lawrence Limkaichong, and Mayor Kit Adanza for giving us the full support.
To give more premium on the plight of our children, the program Pulis ko, Teacher ko in coordination with DepEd was launched. Police Personnel were trained by DepEd on how to become teachers who will then help them teach the students on value formation, character building, and how to become good citizens.
WCCD personnel of all police stations were also subjected to a one-year training on how to handle and accommodate victims who are persons with disabilities. We are the first police unit in the entire police organization to be afforded and to have been equipped with this skill. Thanks to GP Rehab, GWave, and to Silliman University.
To address the problem on lack of fully-trained investigators, the regular training of criminal investigation course was opened on Sept. 5, 2011. This gives us the opportunity to hone and sharpen the investigative skills of our investigators. We would like to thank PC/SUPT Ager Ontog for giving us that authority. We would also like to thank our respective Mayors for extending to your respective investigators that training support. It will be your constituents who will benefit from it later on.
There has been a lot of trainings being undertaken by your policemen in the Province. I deemed it necessary because for me, before an axe man shall cut a tree, he must make sure that he spent part of that time sharpening the axe.
It is also my belief that a better and more conducive working environment can produce a more efficient and effective employee.
Thus, as you can observe for those who were here a year ago, something new can be seen now in the camp. Better office equipment, better office facilities, better environment yields, better service. A more presentable, safe and secure entrance gate and guardhouse, improved offices, a new training room. Better quarters for our SWAT personnel, better radio communication after several years, and a lot more.
Of course, the NOPPO now has a new reloading machine given by Vice Gov. Apolonio Arnaiz Jr. Thank you, Sir.
Thanks to all the Mayors especially Mayor Uy of Mabinay, Mayor Abrio of Basay, Mayor Gonzales of Valencia, Mayor Tuanda of Jimalalud, Mayor Gaudiel of Bayawan, Mayor Alviola of Bacong, Mayor Remollo of San Jose, Mayor Teves of Tanjay City, Mayor Villanueva of Bais City for all your logistical and financial support.
I would like also to thank our Congressmen Henry Pride Teves and George Arnaiz, and Congresswoman Josy Limkaichong for their undying support.
Sooner, that unfinished Multi-Purpose Building will no longer be a white elephant for the Congressmen have respectfully acknowledged to gradually finish it so that it can be put to good use.
To our good Governor Degamo who has been there through thick and thin, helping us out in times of our need, words cannot measure the help he has extended. Thank you so much, Sir. And to all of you, please accept our sincerest thanks.
Allow me also to thank our ever-supportive community members like Orica Nitrates Phils, Energy Development Corp., Dumaguete Shootists Association, all the planters associations in Negros Oriental, Tolong Sugar Central, Dumaguete Surf Station, all the security agency operators, all force multipliers and peacekeepers in the Province, and to all the people of Negros Oriental, thank you so much. You have really contributed a lot to the success of your police.
To all men and women of Negros Oriental PNP, words cannot fathom the gratefulness I have deep within me. After all, it is you who made me what I am today. I am just an instrument for you, and for what you would like your services to give to the people, and what you would like your life to be. I am your servant-leader. As my last command and guidance to you, remember what I told you about the lessons of a pencil, about the candle, the salt, the egg, the coffee, the leaves of a tree, the axeman and a lot more.
Of course, to our Regional Director PC/Supt. Ager P. Ontog Jr, thank you so much for believing in me, and giving me the chance to be the shepherd of your flock. The trust and confidence you have entrusted in me serve as my strength to go on, and prove that I am worthy to be extended that rare opportunity.
What I have just shared with you is embodied in my exit briefing report which shall be submitted to the PNP hierarchy to be placed on official record, and of course, to our Governor.
Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have done a lot of things and may have seen further, it is because I am standing on the shoulders of a giant who are my men, your policemen.
We may have failed the expectations of some quarters but I do not take offense against those who have openly showed their disappointment for our seeming failure to address and solve what we describe as crimes of interest. It is better to be hated for what I am, than to be loved for what I am not.
For it is in a democratic society like ours that we so proudly speak of, that criticisms, whether negative or positive, help in the formation and improvement of a more efficient and effective police force. Sad to day, we cannot please everybody, and what may be the best for us may not be even be good for others.
When I say crimes of interest, these are the brutal killings of prominent personalities by perpetrators who may have acted on their own, or upon orders of those with vested personal interests. I can assure you that these crime cases are not being left unattended, for our men and women in uniform are exerting their best efforts to find closure to such crimes, and put those responsible for these behind bars.
What I would like to stress is that your Philippine National Police in Negros Oriental has done its best to keep the peace and maintain order, despite our meager resources, logistics, and support.
But remember that a successful police organization cannot solely function all by itself.The five pillars of the criminal justice system, if we begin to talk about peace and order, also requires the active participation and involvement of the courts, prosecution, rehabilitation centers, and more importantly, the community.
We need to make a conscious effort to build each other and our relationships up, honestly and sincerely. We need to really work at not breaking up but building up each other. We have to give selflessly of our time and expertise as we each play our own roles. It is not the Police alone that can solve criminality.
To the men and women of the Negros Oriental Philippine National Police, this is my challenge: I urge you to maintain the honor and integrity of our organization’s vision. You have a job to do; you have to do your job. That is the nature of a policeman’s job. That is the oath that we took — to serve and protect. Do not allow yourselves to be sidetracked by a few individuals who seek for you to serve their personal interests instead of serving your mandate — the people! Remember, you only have one credibility and once you lose it, it’s gone forever!
Many times I have been humbled by the kindness of your hearts. An eagle would not soar high up in the sky without the wind beneath its wings. You have been that wind, the very driving force for us to accomplish the tasks that have been laid out before us, and the tasks expected of us.
I appeal to you to throw your full support behind the leadership of your new Provincial Police Director, Sr. Supt/ Edward E. Carranza, for I have faith and trust in him that he can continue the tasks that under my leadership have not been finished. He had been my mentor even during my cadet days up there in Loakan, Baguio City, and even up to this very moment.
Give him your utmost loyalty, your support, and your commitment, that same way you did to me.
Tomorrow I will wake up in my new life, full of yet-to-be realized opportunities, and empty of your company. It is rare for me to be emotional during farewell speeches but I must admit I will be in a strange limbo as I begin a new journey ahead.
You have helped me through some difficult times, and shared the joyous times in tours. Some people judge their lives on what they do, others on who they are. I want my life to be judged by the friends I keep, and how enriched I am from just knowing you.
To see you here in front of me, the last time all together, is a picture I will treasure for a very long time. Words are not enough to thank you for your dedication, commitment, loyalty, support, and the precious time spent together in the past year.
It has been a happy time — a time where the Negros Oriental PNP and I gave of our expertise, a time where we imparted skills and some life lessons, and aptly also, a time where I learned a great deal from you all.
The past year has also taught me the value of having a positive and enthusiastic group of co-workers and colleagues whom I have witnessed giving tirelessly of their time to enhance the image and productivity of the police organization.
It takes a group of very special people to commit to their jobs on a daily basis — even when the going gets tough, and believe me, we have all experienced that over the past year.
I am extremely grateful for the role that everyone has played throughout the 364 days or so of working here in Negros Oriental. They have been happy times that I will always remember fondly.
In parting, I would like to make special mention of my family — my wife Janine, who has seldom complained of the innumerable times that I had to stay away from home; my children, King and Giullia, for striving to be independent and understanding of the demands of my work; my mother Mama Linda, who has reared me to be an obedient and respectful child, not to mention the spiritual guidance that she has given me; and to the rest of the family members who stood by my side and believed in me. Thank you. and I love you all.
Negros Oriental is my home now, and it has been for many years, not just because my first assignment after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in 1987 brought me to the shores of this beloved Province where I served as a 1st lieutenant in the then Philippine Constabulary, but because my family lives here, and this is where I also intend to retire.
I will still be serving Negros Oriental and its people even though the next step in my career entails a wider scope of coverage, and a different nature in the police organization.
So until next time we gather, my very dear friends, farewell for now.
To quote Shakespeare: “And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take; Forever and forever, farewell friends! If we do meet again, why, we shall smile. If not, why, then this parting was well made.”
Good day to all of you and best of luck! Mabuhay ang Negros Oriental Province Police Office.
