SOME 3,646 policemen in Western Visayas were promoted to higher ranks in simultaneous pinning and donning of ranks and oathtaking ceremonies held in the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo, and Negros Occidental Tuesday, March 26.
Of the total number, 3,625 were non-commissioned officers and 21 were commissioned officers.
The ceremonies were led by Brigadier General John Bulalacao, regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO 6), Colonel Romeo Baleros, provincial director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo), and Colonel Henry Biñas, officer-in-charge of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) in their respective areas.
Of the eight city and provincial police offices, 223 were from the BCPO, 641 from Nocppo, 345 from Aklan, 299 from Antique, 418 from Capiz, 120 from Guimaras, 286 from Iloilo City and 710 from Iloilo province.
A total of 448 members from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB), and 149 from regional headquarters were also promoted to the next ranks.
For the lateral entry applicants for line officers, 127 were promoted, seven of whom were from BCPO and 29 were from Nocppo.
For BCPO, 87 were promoted from patrolman to corporal; 82 from corporal to staff sergeant; 22 from staff sergeant to master sergeant; 11 from master sergeant to senior sergeant; 15 from senior sergeant to chief sergeant; and six from chief sergeant to executive sergeant.
For Nocppo, 305 were promoted from patrolman to corporal, 200 from corporal to staff sergeant, 63 from staff sergeant to master sergeant, 32 from master sergeant to senior sergeant, 32 from senior sergeant to chief sergeant, four from chief sergeant to executive sergeant, one executive sergeant to lieutenant, one captain to major and three major to lieutenant colonel.
As this developed, Bulalacao, during the rites held in Iloilo City, urged the newly promoted policemen to never fail as they have showcased the potentials that made them deserve the trust of the higher officials in the promotion.
“I can feel the happiness of those who received the promotion and the pride of their loved ones,” the Bulalacao said in his speech.
“This milestone will bring about notable changes not only in your career but also in the lives of your families,” he added.
“Tataas ang inyong ranggo kasabay ang pagtaas ng inyong sahod. At kaakibat din nito ang paglaki ng inyong responsibilidad” (Your ranks will increase, as well as your salary. It also means big responsibilities),” Bulalacao said.
“Thus, there is no reason that you will not give your best and make sacrifices,” he continued.
“While this is your career milestone, this is also a new beginning. Your new rank will surely bring you to a lot of new things,” he said, citing challenges, excitement and temptations.
He also reminded them of three things: to protect their service reputation by showing their competence, values and leadership potential; to maintain discipline; to be dedicated to duty; and to pray for God’s guidance and protection.
“Never attempt to do things that would taint your good image, like getting involved in any shenanigans to say the least or in any illegal activities to say the worst,” he said. “Do not fall into temptation that would come along with the privileges and possibilities of your new rank.”
“Rather nourish yourselves with positive values and convictions, and you will go far and achieve more in your career.”
Meanwhile, the higher office issued an order to all police offices on March 25 regarding the implementation of the modification of rank classifications in the police organization, following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte on February 8./GYM