Cruz lauds Beltejar for his accomplishments
PALO, Leyte- Police Chief Superintendent Gilbert Cruz assumed the post as the new director of the Philippine National Police here in the region on Wednesday (August 30)as he vowed to continue the campaign on illegal drugs that saw success under the administration of his predecessor.
Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar stepped down from the post he held for more than a year after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.
Cruz, prior to his assignment here in Eastern Visayas, served as the chief of the Police Community Relations Group in Camp Crame.
The new regional police director was said to be behind some successful programs of the Philippine National Police to shore up its image like the ‘Gwapulis, ‘PO1 Bato’ mascot and the public service ‘Itaga mo sa Bato: TEXT BATO 2286.”
In his speech, C/Supt. Cruz praised his predecessor for his accomplishments particularly on the campaign on the illegal drugs.
In particular, Cruz mentioned the achievement of Beltejar in the dismantling of the drug syndicate headed by slain Albuera mayor Rolando Espinosa and his son Kerwin.
Cruz also cited the filing of cases against the suspect of the bombing incident in Hilongos, Leyte, Yusuf Macato.
The turnover rite, held at the grounds of the PNP regional headquarters, was attended by several local officials in the region. Among them was Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla and Palo town Mayor Remedios ‘Matin’ Petilla.
Cruz also assures that he will continue to work and even strengthen the relationship with other stakeholders as practiced by his successor.
“It is exceptional and noteworthy and I will definitely continue. You have touched the grassroots. You have involved practically all the stakeholders. Different sectors have been tapped truly adhering to the dictum that the community is the police and the police is the community,” he said.
“As I assume command as the chief of PNP-8, I am confident that we can attain the change that we Filipino people truly deserve,” he added.
The new PNP-8 regional director is a member of PNPA Class 1998 and is a two-time Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines awardee, 2007 Country’s Outstanding Policemen in the Service, PNPA Lakan Hall of Fame, and PNP best chief of police and provincial director.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
