CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro officially appointed Police Col. Christopher Bermudez as the new chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.
Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz Orong said Baricuatro endorsed Bermudez based on his strong performance and dedication to duty.
He served as the CPPO’s officer-in-charge and was previously the provincial director of the Sultan Kudarat Police Provincial Office from 2022 to 2024.
Bermudez also led the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas under the previous provincial administration.
“Governor Baricuatro found him very dedicated and someone who delivered on her instructions to increase security throughout the province,” Orong said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
The governor seeks to enhance safety across Cebu, especially in tourist destinations, she added.
Bermudez expressed his gratitude for the appointment, calling it both a privilege and a challenge.
He said it was an honor to have been selected by Baricuatro from among three recommended candidates.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to Governor Pamela Baricuatro for choosing me. This trust is both a privilege and a challenge that I humbly accept with dedication and commitment,” Bermudez said.
He said he is committed to upholding the performance standards set by his predecessor, anchored in integrity and “proactive policing.”
Bermudez also acknowledged the foundation laid by the former CPPO director.
In line with Baricuatro’s directive, Bermudez vowed to maintain a five-minute response time to crimes and emergency calls across
the province.
“With integrity, accountability and urgency, I commit to ensuring that the Cebu PPO delivers reliable, responsive, and people-centered police service for the benefit of every Cebuano,” he said. / ANV, AYB