THE newly installed director of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) won’t implement personnel revamps as he wants to familiarize first his new assignment before making any policy changes.
Police Brigadier General Roque Eduardo Vega made the statement after assuming the post during a change of command ceremony at the PRO 7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021.
Vega formally replaced PBGen. Ronnie Montejo, who also formally retired from the police service.
The change of command ceremony was witnessed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Guillermo Eleazar.
Vega admitted to reporters that he was surprised that he was chosen as the PRO 7’s new director.
“I didn’t expect that I would be appointed as PRO 7 director. But for now, we will assess the region’s current situation. It’s like buying a car for the very first time. You have to check the engine and its other parts to determine if everything is in working order,” Vega said in Tagalog.
Though he has not made any promises, Vega said he will follow the PNP’s marching order of continuing the anti-illegal drug campaign and cleaning their ranks of scalawags.
He said it was not the first time that he was assigned in Central Visayas as he had previously been appointed as director of the Highway Patrol Group 7.
Separately, Eleazar said he is confident of Vega’s capability in leading the PRO 7.
Eleazar admitted that for police officials, Central Visayas is considered a “challenging” assignment due to the developing local economy and booming tourism industry.
“That is the reason why the PNP leadership is always making sure that we put the best man for this post as manifested by the recent officials assigned here as regional directors,” Eleazar added.
As his marching order, Eleazar tasked Vega to regain the public’s respect for the police force.
Before becoming PRO 7 director, Vega served as deputy comptroller at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame. (AYB / JKV)