Francisco is assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Rodriguez (right), chief of the Regional Information and Communications Technology Management Division. (PRO-6 photo)
By Jennifer P. Rendon
Amid the gloomy weather, euphoria enveloped the multi-purpose hall of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) headquarters as more than 3,000 police officers were formally promoted to the next higher rank.
A total of 3,334 Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO) attended the simultaneous mass oath-taking and pinning of ranks Tuesday afternoon at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City and other parts of the region.
Only 225 of the newly promoted officers are PCOs while 3,109 are PNCOs.
Most of those promoted are from police corporal to police staff sergeant at 1,225 and the rest were 1,077 new corporals, 353 new master sergeants, 210 chief master sergeants, 133 executive master sergeants, and 111 senior master sergeants.
Of the officers, 171 are new police captains, 37 majors, and 17 lieutenants.
Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, said that the continuous promotion process of the Philippine National Police is a testament that despite the pandemic and other challenges they face as an organization, there would always be room in giving due recognition by ensuring the career growth of
deserving personnel.
He also reminded the newly promoted personnel that their new rank comes with more expectations.
“Promotion means more responsibilities. So, I advise you not to attach the word privilege to your ranks, instead focus on the responsibility that it carries. This is especially true to the PCOs,” he said.
The regional top cop said that promotion is not only meant as a reward but also a recognition of their potential to do more.
He also reminded them of their commitment to service.
“It is with this thought that I must warn you and all other uniformed personnel: Value your uniform and focus on our mandate,” he said.
Francisco also enthused them to serve as an example to other personnel.
On top of that, “be wary of your conduct now that you have achieved a higher rank. Exert an effort to cleanse our ranks and do your share in weeding out personnel who are tainted with controversy and malice,” he said.
Francisco also stressed that he won’t tolerate anyone violating the laws that we are sworn to uphold and enforce as well as the administrative policies of our organization.
“In fact, marami na tayong na sampolan in 2022 who underwent summary hearing procedures,” he said.
As such, the newly promoted officers should be beacons of strength and morality not only to the rest of our personnel but most of all, to the community.
