PRO-8 has new director

PALO, LEYTE, Philippines — Former spokesperson of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame yesterday formally assumed office as regional director of the Police Regional Office-8 (Eastern Visayas), during a ceremony held at Camp Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte.

Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos took the PRO-8 helm, two days after Chief Supt. Mariel Magaway was relieved by PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde following the seige of the Lapinig Police Station in Northern Samar by 100 communist rebels on August 10, wounding two policemen and the looting of guns and documents.

Carlos  after a short meeting with his command staff, told the local media that marching orders of President Rodrigo Duterte and Albayalde was to be aggressive in carrying out anti-illegal drug operations in Eastern Visayas, as well as internal cleansing within the PRO-8 ranks.

On Saturday upon his arrival in Leyte, Carlos immediately proceeded to Lapinig town where he inspected the assaulted police station. A thorough investigation is still going on to look into possible charges to be filed against the rebels responsible in the attack, as well as into the liability of police personnel for any lapses in securing the police station.

"We want to assure the public na hindi bitawan ang police station na walang tao and dapat gamitin ang resources natin from our partners in LGUs and military at doon mag-coordinate," Carlos said, adding that he ordered all police stations in the region to be secured against any similar raids by the rebels.

Carlos also said that, under his leadership, communications and interactions with the local media will be open and fair to everyone, citing the vital role of the press in public information. (FREEMAN)