By Jennifer P. Rendon
The usual vows of newly installed police commanders to reduce crimes or address the illegal drug concerns were not heard when Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero assumed as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
And he apparently did it on purpose.
Acknowledging that leading the IPPO, albeit on an OIC capacity, might be the most challenging job he has thus far, Gorero said he will try to help the people of Iloilo.
“In any position that I’m holding, I really hate to make any promises because promises are made to be broken,” he said during the formal turnover of command ceremony on Sept 18, 2020 at the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) headquarters in Camp Delgado, Iloilo City.
Gorero said he understood that there are a lot of expectations both from the community and the people of Iloilo.
”It’s not easy but I accept this challenge. I would be continuously pursuing and sustaining the gains of transformation,” he said, mentioning the program and thrust of Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief.
These programs include sustained reformation; internal cleansing and developing leaders; and pro-active and smart policing.
For sustained reformation to happen, Gorero said they must consider the aspects of Human Resources, infrastructure and equipment, and system and processes.
As to internal cleaning, Gorero said he believed that whatever reforms you want to do, it must start by cleaning up your own backyard first.
“I would like to emphasize that the mantra Stronger PRO-6 is not just a logo or emblem. When you say stronger PRO-6, it connotes three words – dignity, integrity, and discipline,” he said.
He said that they have a doable program that needed focus and understanding of objectives.
“That would serve as our guiding principle in delivering services in the province of Iloilo. If you have dignity – regardless of your position or rank – it is easier to ask help and cooperation from the community. Without the community support in any endeavor that we do, we couldn’t succeed,” he said.
Gotera also highlighted the importance of discipline.
“Those who won’t change, you better resign. For those who would want to change for the better, I’m always with you,” he said.
Meanwhile, pro-active and smart policing would discuss on the implementation of law enforcement operation; enforcement of laws without fear and favor (ordinances and special laws); and increase the police presence in places of convergence, among others.
Gorero said the programs mentioned are nothing new in the PNP organization.
“There is no new program but continuity of what was already implemented,” he said.
While challenging, Gorero said that his new designation would be an opportunity to bring the police services nearer to the public.
With his new designation, Gorero would leave his post as chief of the Regional Plans Division and the Regional Plans and Strategy Management Unit.
