Gwen awards medal to Roderos

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday conferred the Governor’s Medal of Merit to former Police Regional Office-7 director Ronald Roderos for his contribution in promoting and maintaining peace and order in the province.

“Through the years that he had been with us, he is truly a Cebuano by heart and by choice and we Cebuanos choose you to be our brother as well,” Garcia said in yesterday’s conferment rites. 

The Governor’s Medal of Merit is conferred by the governor in recognition of service rendered by an individual, who, by his life and deed, have demonstrated an exceptional dedication to the responsibilities of leadership, courage, justice and peace to Cebu and the Philippines in general. Roderos recently stepped down as regional police chief after he was assigned to head the Directorate for Research and Development at the Camp Crame.

For his part, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez said Roderos’ transfer to Camp Crame is a “well-deserved” promotion.

“In my good fortune to have you, Chief Supt. Roderos, I see you as a man who is not too hard, neither are you too soft. But one thing is sure, you can never be intimida-ted,” Sanchez said.Accepting the award, Roderos said he was touched by the recognition and thankful to the people for being cooperative to authorities.

“Kahilak man ta ani. I’m so touched,” Roderos said.Roderos became regional director in 2007 after being deputy director for administration for then Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr.

At that time, Garcia herself endorsed Roderos as regional director while Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña had recommended Chief Supt. Ireneo Bacolod.

In 1992, Roderos served as United Nations peacekeeper in Cambodia, which earned him a UN peace medal. The Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association also awarded him for his outstanding performance as a professional in police operations.

In 1999, he was awarded as best senior field officer for his performance as chief of the Zamboanga del Norte provincial police office.

Prior to his assignment in Cebu, Roderos served as district commander in Ormoc City and assistant provincial director in Negros Occidental, on top of various positions he held at Camp Crame.

PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa had lauded Roderos for his performance in Cebu, saying his work “exemplified the kind of leadership we want in our personnel.”

Verzosa said Roderos was moved up to the national headquarters because they wanted “well-rounded” officers to lead the organization. — Garry B. Lao/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)