DAVAO CITY —Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., on April 10 had his command visit at Camp BGen. Salipada K. Pendatun, headquarters of the Police Regional Office- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
Azurin who visted the Banmgsamoro region recently deactivated the Maguindanao Police Provincial Office and activated Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Offices (PPOs).
The deactivation of the old police command and the activation of two new ones complied with Republic Act 11550 after the division of Maguindanao into two new political territories.
“The activation of these two PPOs is a clear sign of progress in the Bangsamoro region. The challenge, therefore, is for the new PPOs and their entire teams to perform their mandate with discipline, integrity, and professionalism,” Azurin said.
The creation of the new PPOs was approved by Interior Secretary and National Police Commission Chairperson Benjamin Abalos Jr. under Resolution No. 2023-0213 on March 1, 2023.
PRO-BARMM Director PBGen. Allan Nobleza said that the seat of the Maguindanao del Sur police will be in Shariff Aguak town while the Maguindanao del Norte police will be based in Parang town.
PCol. Roel Sermese is being retained as the Maguindanao Del Sur PPO Provincial Director based at Camp Datu Akilan Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak municipality, and composed of the twenty-four Municipal Police Stations.
While PCol. James Gulmatico has been appointed as Officer-in-Charge for Maguindanao del Norte based temporarily at Camp BGen. Salipada K Pendatun composed of twelve Municipal Police Stations.
Azurin urged all police officers to serve with integrity and loyalty to the public.
“The activation of the two new PPOs will split the manpower of the police, but they will be augmented by police from Western Mindanao,” Azurin said.
“All these we do, not only because we have sworn to serve, but also because in doing, we spread the message that life is beautiful through our actions, through our compassion, through our positivity in building community,” Azurin said.
“The action and decision of each of us is the same action and decision of the entire police force. Let’s always remember that our ability and our service depend on the trust of the people in our sincere service.” Azurin said.
