• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
PCol. Dennis Wenceslao formally assumed the position as officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), taking over from PCol. Rainerio de Chavez during the turn-over of command held at Camp Alfredo M. Montelibano in Bacolod City yesterday.
He starts his tenure amid the spate of killings perpetrated by remnants of the New People’s Army as well as other unsolved murder cases.
“The challenges ahead of me will not be easy. But I have absolute faith that with unity, discipline, and unwavering dedication, we will overcome anything,” he said.
He added: “To the people of Negros Occidental, I give you my personal assurance: your police force is here for you. We are ready to listen, ready to act, and ready to serve with the utmost honor and integrity”.
Wenceslao, who used to head the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), said he expects the activation of the region’s Joint Focus Legal Action Team (JFLAT) would help in the resolution of the unsolved cases.
The JFLAT will take over cases, which cannot be resolved by the police, for various reasons, he added.
De Chavez turned over the position to Wenceslao in rites presided by PCol. Dennis Esguerra, deputy regional director for administration of PRO-NIR, in the presence of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson.
“With his proven track record of competence, professionalism, and dedication, I’m confident that Col. Wenceslao will continue the momentum and even bring NOCPPO to greater heights,” Esguerra said.
Lacson assured full support to Wenceslao, similar to what the provincial government extended to his predecessors.
In his message, Lacson expressed confidence in the leadership of Wenceslao to build on the foundations laid by his predecessors and to bring fresh energy, vision, and resolve in the continuing fight against criminality, illegal drugs, and other threats to public safety.
“As you start your command, you can be assured that you have the full support of the provincial government as well as the communities you are sworn to serve and protect,” he added. | GB
