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Tuesday, November 22, 2005
New police chief assumes office
By Joey P. Nacalaban
THE regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 10 had a changing of guards as Chief Superintendent Florante Baguio formally assumed the reins from retired Director Superintendent Dante Tejada in a simple turnover ceremonies Monday.
PNP Director General Arturo Lumibao officiated the turnover.
Tejada left the command due to compulsory retirement, which took effect on his birthday last November 20.
Tejada is from the Ilocos region and a former finance chief at Camp Crame. Like Baguio, he was also a graduate of Philippine Military Academy batch '72.
In his speech, Tejada thanked all individuals who supported him in maintaining the peace and order in the entire region.
He said there is no other fulfillment in life other than public service.
"It is really self fulfilling," the outgoing director had added.
Tejada said arresting lawless elements is also another form of fulfillment in life as lawmen.
He said policemen must save others from being hurt since it is one of the jobs that the public expects from them.
During his time, several most wanted persons in the region were arrested. The latest suspect captured was a certain Brendon Lopez of Kalilangan, Bukidnon.
Confidence
Lopez was tagged as the eighth most wanted person in Region 10. He was facing double murder charges. Bukidnon operatives led by Police Director Senior Superintendent Archie Gamboa arrested him.
Tejada said his retirement is not only to give others a chance to serve but also to give himself an opportunity to enjoy time with his family.
"I have retired but I have never been tired, you can still call my attention through text if you need help," Tejada jokingly told the audience.
He said what he would like to do after his retirement is to go back to his church.
During the event, Tejada urged his men to extend the same support they showed to him even as he complimented Baguio for being young, energetic, and full of ideas.
He told them to help Baguio make his ideas a reality for the betterment of the entire populace in the region.
In his acceptance speech, Baguio said, his assignment in the region marks another milestone in his career.
"I prayed hard for this," Baguio said.
He thanked President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for giving him the confidence to lead the police in the region.
Honor, justice
Baguio also extended his gratitude to Secretary Angelo Reyes of the Department of Interior and Local Government for the latter's encouragement.
The incoming director, who hailed from Zamboanga province, was a former provincial police director of Negros Occidental. He said he would give his best to serve the region just like his predecessor.
During his speech, Baguio proudly announced his motto of "serving Region 10 with honor and justice."
He said he come here not to be served but to protect Region 10.
Baguio also urged the civilian sectors to support him in his effort against criminalities and lawlessness.
Among those who witnessed the turnover were Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno, Mayor Vicente Emano of Cagayan de Oro, Mayor Jose Galario of Valencia City, DILG Regional Director Renee Bordeos and lawyer Virgilio Mendez, Regional Director, National Bureau of Investigation.
There were also representatives from business, religious, civic, and private sectors.
After the program Lumibao, Baguio, and Tejada were flocked by members of the PNP Press Corps headed by Michael Angelo Bustamante for an ambush interview.
(November 22, 2005 issue)
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