INCOMING Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo) director Police Colonel Roland Vilela vowed that he will not fail the Ilonggos in ensuring the peace and order in the province.
Vilela paid a courtesy visit to Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on August 20, 2019 ahead of his assumption as Ippo director effective September 1, 2019.
Defensor picked Vilela among the three recommendees to head the Ippo. The other two were Police Colonel Juel Neil Salcedo and Police Colonel Policarpio Cayabyab Jr.
In a media interview, the incoming police director summed up his priority programs with the acronym “Vilela,” which stands for Vigorously eradicate illegal drugs and other forms of criminality; Implement provincial, municipal, and city ordinances; Law enforcement without fear or favor; Enhance management of police operations; end Local communist insurgency; and Actively support the stakeholders on peace and order.
As a former police chief of an island barangay in Samal, Vilela said he will also prioritize the campaign against illegal fishing, particularly in northern Iloilo.
“I am looking forward to the challenges with the ardent support of the media, the people and those in the higher office. I hope I will not fail because the task is enormous. I will not fail,” he said.
He also appealed to the Ilonggos to “follow the rules, follow the law and be a productive citizen of the locality for the betterment of our country.”
Vilela is currently the chief of the Regional Comptroller Division of Police Regional Office 2.
He will succeed incumbent Ippo director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba. Tayaba is leaving the post after serving the province for more than two years.
Vilela is a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy Kapanalig Class of 1997. He is currently the national president of the Alumni Association of Lakans.
His father is from Batangas, while his mother is from Capiz. He is fluent in Hiligaynon as he has worked with Ilonggos while serving Cagayan Valley.
Meanwhile, Vilela said the issues concerning his personal life were only “speculations.”
“We are not looking back. As a progressive person, I look forward to the future. Those were just insinuations and part of life as a public servant,” he said. (PR)