by: Flor Jackson
Naval, Biliran (January 11) – PSSupt. Leonardo M. Cesneros was installed on January 9, 2009 as the new Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Director of Biliran by no less than Gen. Abner D. Cabalquinto, PNP Regional Director of Eastern Visayas in simple ceremonies held at the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) compound in Brgy. Larrazabal, Naval in the province of Biliran .
The ceremony was attended by Biliran Vice-Governor Lucila Curso, Mayor Susan Parilla of the municipality of Naval, the capital town of Biliran province, Mayor Floresca Delante of Caibiran, Biliran town Mayor Carlos Chan, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Engr. Eriberto Tubis, Eden Apolinar and Gina Enage, chiefs of police of the eight municipalities of the province, officers and men of the PNP in the municipalities and in the province, media and other guests.
In his welcome remarks, PSupt. Excel Lamerez, Deputy Provincial Director for Administration described outgoing PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Arcadio Lelis as a good leader when he said “ he had shown the qualities of a good leader that everyone desires – a leader by example who aspires for the welfare of his men”.
“PSSupt. Cesneros, the incoming provincial director and alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), the country’s prestigious police academy shares common leadership qualities with PSSupt. Lelis, hence, the province of Biliran is assured of a quality public service by the BPPO”, he said.
The reading of termination order for PSSupt. Lelis as outgoing PNP Provincial Commander of Biliran province and the Designation Order for PSSupt. Cesneros was done by PSupt Raul Saysay, Deputy Regional Personnel and Human Resource Doctrine Division (RPHRDD) of PNP region 8..
In his remarks and relinquishment of office, PSSupt. Lelis appealed to the officers and men of the BPPO to extend their assistance and full support to the new provincial director.
For his part, PSSupt. Cesneros in his acceptance speech said “I only have few things to say – I am here to carry out the mission of the PNP, to enforce the law, prevent crime and maintain peace and order with the active support of the community”.
He appealed and sought the support of the local officials present during the turn-over ceremony as he assured Gen. Cabalquinto that he will do his best as PNP Provincial Director of Biliran province..
Furthermore, he said, “I will do my best to make BPPO as the best PNP provincial office in region 8, but I cannot do this without your support.”
He ended by saying “I have nothing in mind but to protect the people of Biliran”.
Gen. Cabalquinto who capped the turn-over ceremony with his message thanked Col. Lelis for accepting the assignment as OIC Provincial Director of Biliran PPO inspite of his rank as Deputy Regional Director for Operations at the PNP regional office in Tacloban City .
He urged the officers and men present during the turn-over ceremony to be more credible and effective in doing their jobs as he said “Col. Lelis has these criteria”.
“Biliran peace and order is unique and it is a challenge to the new Provincial Director”, he said.
“I am urging all policemen in Biliran to exercise professionalism in everything you do. Always be professional and sustain the best practices of the PNP organization. Be loyal to all and not to any organizations or political groups”, he added.
Before he ended his message, Gen. Cabalquinto announced that he will give additional four patrol cars and equipment to BPPO next month so that as PSSupt. Cesneros assumes office, all the eight municipalities of Biliran will have their respective patrol cars. (PIA-Biliran)
