By Jennifer P. Rendon
Cliche as it may sound but, yes, the police could not do it alone.
That’s why Colonel Uldarico Garbazos is enlisting the support of everyone as he begins his journey as the new Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) chief.
Garbanzos officially assumed as the new ICPO commander Monday, replacing Colonel Eric Dampal, who had a one-year stint as the Iloilo City police head.
Dampal, who will retire in August 2021, will take over Garbanzos’ previous post as Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD) head.
“Let’s work together as a team,” Garbanzos told ICPO personnel citing the importance of good working ethics and attitude for them to deliver an effective output.
He lauded the local government and the PNP higher command for providing necessary logistical support. “Wala ka nang hahanapin pa,” he said.
When asked about his programs as the new ICPO commander, Garbanzos said he would make necessary alignments to creating a “chilling effect” in the implementation of the campaign against illegal drugs, illegal gambling, loose firearms, and wanted persons.
Given the already existing crime operations, Garbanzos said he would revitalize the campaign against the eight focus crimes and other peace and order concerns.
He said he would strengthen the quad staff operations – intelligence, operations, investigation, and police community relations (PCR).
“Our operations now would be more intelligence driven,” Garbanzos said, adding that they would also base their deployment of personnel on intelligence gathered.
They would also heighten their checkpoint operations, with emphasis on Oplan Sita and Oplan Bakal.
On investigation, “we would see to it that if we could not stop the crimes, we should be able to solve them,” he said.
Further, Garbanzos said he would also focus on internal discipline and infractions made by police officers – from tamang bihis violators to those sleeping while on duty.
“They must be sanctioned para huwag pamarisan,” he said.
Aside from sanctions, he said he would also recommend for their transfer to other units.
