CEBU, Philippines - Following his assignment as director for Research and Development at Camp Crame, Chief Supt. Ronald Roderos yesterday formally turned over his post as director of the Police Regional Office-7 to his deputy, Chief Supt. Federico Terte.
Yesterday’s turnover ceremony at the PRO-7 headquarters was attended by PNP Chief Jesus Versoza, Jr. and top PNP officials from the Central Command, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Acting Mayor Mike Rama, some local officials, and friends of the now former PRO-7 chief.
“I now sign reluctantly the document of order that designates me as director for research and development at Camp Crame,” Roderos announced yesterday.
Also yesterday, Roderos assumed his new post at Camp Crame, which was headed by his twin brother Director Ray Roderos, now the new director of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Central Visayas.
Roderos had always expressed his intent to stay as PRO-7, saying he is already a Cebuano “by heart and by choice” but said he would follow his superiors, especially President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Who am I to refuse the order of the President?” he said.
Roderos also thanked local officials, personnel of the PNP regional office, and residents of Cebu and Central Visayas who have supported his two-year stint. He assumed post as regional director on December 11, 2007.
Roderos said one accomplishment he is very proud of was maintaining peace and order during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and the barangay elections in 2007 and the recently-held Sinulog Grand Parade, which was attended by an estimated 2.8 million people.
He is also particularly proud of the national award received by PRO-7 as best Regional Peace and Order Council last year.
For his part, Terte thanked the PNP for designating him as PRO-7 chief.
“Asahan ninyo na kung ano ang naumpisahan ni Chief Supt. Roderos ay ipagpapatuloy ko,” Terte said, promising to intensify anti-criminality campaign in Region 7, which was lowered by 5.22 percent during the stint of Roderos.
Terte is said to assign Sr. Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas to head the Regional Mobile Group, as current RMG chief Sr. Supt. Jesus Gaquing would already be assigned at the PRO-7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña. Lawas is currently heading the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervisory Section.
Meanwhile, the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations was launched in Central Visayas to help improve police operations in tourist destinations and subsequently spur the economy by combating major criminalities, counter-insurgencies and terrorism. DIPO was first established in Eastern and Western Mindanao.
DIPO will also supervise operations against drugs, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and even cyber crimes.
Surprised
For his part, Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama admitted he never expected that Roderos would relinquish his post this early.
“Although it is so sudden…but if his leaving us is for his promotion then who are we to stop him?” Rama said.
Rama said he hopes that Roderos would continuously support Cebu, even as he would already be in Manila.
“He should not forget the link…with anything that concerns Cebu, we hope that he is always there,” Rama said.
Roderos started his career in Cebu as Cebu City Police Office director in 2001 with police director general Avelino Razon as then chief of PRO-7. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot and Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)