CEBU, Philippines - At least 602 cops in Central Visayas have received a promotion.
Of this number, 579 non-commissioned officers were promoted by Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Chief Supt. Danilo Constantino while 23 commissioned officers were promoted by Police Director General Alan Purisima.
Of the 579 non-commissioned officers, 353 were promoted to Police Officer 2; 175 were promoted to SPO1; 15 were promoted to SPO2; and 16 were promoted to SPO4.
From the commissioned officers, three were promo-ted to Inspectors, 16 were promoted to Police Inspectors, one was promoted to Chief Inspector, while three others were promoted to Superintendents.
The Philippine National Police said those that were promoted were proven to have stayed true to their commitment and have shown compassion, integrity and leadership in their works.
Sr. Insp. Mia Rose Burlat, chief of the Compostela Police, said she waited for four years for a promotion.
“Nagpasalamat ko’g dako kay sa tanto namo’ng paabot, naabot ra gyud,†she said.
Burlat is married to Sr. Insp. Ruel Burlat, the team leader of the Regional Special Operation Group (RSOG)-7 who was also promoted to the same rank.
Burlat encouraged policemen in lower ranks to never give up and to consider problems as challenges that, if responded to diligently, will bring for them positive results.
Meanwhile, Sr. Insp. Bonifacio Lucerna, chief of the Pilar Police, told The Freeman, that being stationed in one of the towns in northern Cebu most devastated by super typhoon Yolanda, the news of his promotion serves as an inspiration for him to do his best.
“Gihilantan pa gyud ko hangtod ron pero para nako ang pagpanerbisyo nga tinud-anay dili ang pagsul-ob sa uniporme aron lang ingnon nga pulis kinahanglan ubanan ni ug pagpanerbisyo (I still have fever until now but, for me, real service isn’t just about wearing the policeman’s uniform),†Lucerna said in a phone interview.
He said many people depend on policemen especially in the fight against illegal activities that is why he must do his best to stay true to his commitment. After all, he said, blessings will come from the heavens if one only follows the right path.
Constantino reminds the 602 policemen that a promotion comes with it greater challenges.
“Your subordinates are keeping an eye on your behavior and are expecting discipline and capacity to make changes in the organization,†he said.
Meanwhile, PRO-7 is once again accepting applicants for this year’s Police Officer 1 Recruitment Program. Only a few qualified in a recent recruitment process.
Recruitment is until November 30 and previous PNP applicants who failed in the Psychiatric and Psychological Examination given last July to October can no longer reapply.
PNP applicants can follow the Recruitment Section at the FACEBOOK page “RSS, PRO-7†for information, but must submit the required documents personally at the PNP headquarters. —/JMO (FREEMAN)