THE Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office leadership (NOCPPO) has changed guards Thursday, June 4 from the hands of the bemedaled retired Police Colonel Romeo A. Baleros to a driven new Director Police Colonel Romy Palgue.
Despite the coronavirus disease pandemic, the turnover of command took place at the NOCPPO grounds with the proper observance of the health protocol particularly the wearing of face masks and social distancing for the attendees.
Palgue in his speech called on the members of the NOCPPO both uniformed and non-uniformed personnel to bless him with their loyalty and service.
"I call on you to respect, trust, and support the Office of the Provincial Director. We all come and go. It is only a question as to when. But it is our hope that this institution remains and for that to come true, I will be needing your help. I congratulate Police Colonel Baleros on his much-deserved and long-awaited vacation," Palgue said.
Under the direction of our dynamic Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Palgue vows to continue the strict adherence to stronger PRO6’s command.
"Expect that things will only get tougher. Taking into consideration our unfinished battle against the unseen enemy Covid-19, I make it my personal mandate to further enhance our Provincial Office’ capability in epidemic response without placing the lives of those working on the frontlines at risk. I will undertake to review all the necessary instruction and modify them if need be. I have already requested the crime statistics to orient me with the crime environment of Negros Occidental and with the “new normal” taking place, we have to intensify our campaign against all forms of illegal activities especially the irregularities in the SAP distribution. Making all those exploitative and predatory government officials, private groups, and individuals alike, to be held liable in any form of irregular conduct. Those who take advantage of the ongoing pandemic, social and economic distress, must be held liable. Personally, I also maintain a high regard for internal cleansing. I take full responsibility for maintaining order and cleanliness wherever I am assigned. Thus, I am planning to continue with this task here in Negros Occidental," he added.
He also said that he will not tolerate any form of illegality within his ranks.
"Allow me some room for doubt and I will prove myself worthy of your trust and confidence. To Police Brigadier General Pamuspusan, thank you for this opportunity in allowing me to prove my worth. To the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, I look forward to working with you in bringing quality police service to the people of Negros Occidental."
"To PCOL Baleros, I promise to maintain the standard of leadership you have set and to do my best, guided by the standards of our Code of Ethics. To NOCPPO, my new family, I am here now. Thank you for the warm welcome and allow me the opportunity to prove myself worthy of your respect and loyalty. Help me, stand with me, and together, we shall be one in mind, heart, and soul, serving with honor and justice to the Negrosanon people. Thank you so much and God bless us all," he said.
Meanwhile, retired Police Colonel Baleros felt honored to be accorded with this kind of retirement activity in the midst of a viral pandemic.
He thanked the dynamic and very supportive Regional Director, Police Brigadier General Pamuspusan for giving him this kind of honor.
"As I walk the first pace of my journey in public service, a vital phrase was inculcated in my memory as indicated in the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standard which I quote, “Public office is a public trust” and any public official shall be accountable to the people. With these virtues and guidance from my former superiors, I performed my core functions based on rules, regulations, and standards set forth by the organization. I protected my service reputation, did my job with a high degree of professionalism and integrity. Hence, my law enforcement career ascended and reached my present rank and designation with my head unbowed," Baleros shared.
He said, 31 years is too fast, as he closes the exciting and challenging chapter of his life as a law enforcement officer, he has fulfilled his core functions effectively based on the mandates of the Office where he was assigned.
"The atmosphere now is somewhat joyous with a bit of melancholy in the air. I have mixed emotions as I walk out of the portal of our organization. I will be sad as I will miss a lot of my daily activities which I have routinely attended during my 31 years in service. I will also be missing the people that surrounded me with whom I worked with every day particularly my provincial staff," Baleros said.
The achievements that they had under his leadership were a product of collaborative efforts.
They would not have been possible without the support of the provincial government of Negros Occidental headed by our dynamic Governor Eugenio “Bong” Lacson, the City and Municipal Mayors of Negros Occidental and the respect, obedience and dedication to service of each man and woman in uniform and non-uniformed personnel of NOCPPO.
Regional Director Pamuspusan wishes both officers the best.