AFTER two years in Ilocos Norte as provincial police director, P/Sr. Supt. Juan G. Luna has been ordered to transfer to Camp Crame in Metro Manila, paving the way for his promotion. As a result, a new provincial police director has assumed Luna’s vacated post in acting capacity. Luna’s transfer became effective on November 6. Police Sr. Supt. Roman Felix, former chief of the aviation security group, took over Luna’s post in an acting capacity, following the turnover ceremonies held November 7 at Camp Juan here in Laoag City. Felix hails from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. Philippine National Police (PNP) Region I director Leonardo Bataoil personally attended the turnover ceremony where he also served as guest speaker. In his speech, Bataoil recognized the leadership of Luna in fighting crime and illegal activities in the province while maintaining peace and order, which, he said, plays a vital role in the promotion of tourism and investment in Ilocos Norte. Bataoil, himself a newly installed regional director, stressed the integrated transformation program of the PNP in battling criminality, enjoining the community and concerned local government units to actively participate in maintaining peace and order. Among Luna’s achievements during his two-year stint as Ilocos Norte provincial police director include the crackdown on loose firearms; the jailing of perpetrators of sensational killings around the province, which involved a police officer; the successful campaign against the illegal drugs trade and the illegal numbers game; and the campaign against insurgents in the mountainous areas of the province. Luna’s tenure also covered the grisly murders of local politicians in the province: the killing of the mayors of Vintar and Marcos, Ilocos Norte and the vice mayor of Laoag City. The Vintar mayor’s case had been decided by the court which found the suspects guilty while the Marcos mayor’s case is still being heard. The Laoag vice mayor’s case, meanwhile, is still being studied by the Department of Justice. In recognition of his numerous achievements, Luna was awarded the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” during the turnover ceremonies. Luna officially assumed his post in the province on November 1, 2004. His promotion as comptroller at Camp Crame was dated November 2, 2006. In his parting speech, Luna expressed his gratitude to the provincial government, headed by Governor Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., for being in the forefront of helping law enforcers in the implementation of its programs and objectives, to the local government units, private individuals and non-government organizations, the community, and the media for their untiring support to the PNP’s operations against illegal activities. For his part, Felix lauded the endorsement of Bataoil and the trust given by Marcos for his being named OIC provincial director. Felix also emphasized the police’s need for the community’s participation in their prime thrust to serve and protect the people. He also appealed to his fellow police officers, local officials and residents to work in unison for the maintenance of peace and order in the province. Leilanie G. Adriano
|
|