Southern Leyte gets new PNP chief

By Bong Pedalino

Maasin City (September 3) — The provincial command of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in this city has a new leader.

Effective September 1, 2009, PNP SSupt. Pepito Padaca has taken over the leadership of the provincial police force vice SSupt. Nilo Donayre, who will take over the Ormoc City Police Station in turn-over rites tomorrow, September 4, it was learned.

The turn-over ceremony for the helm of the Southern Leyte PNP was held September 1 at the provincial headquarters, also known as Camp Ruperto Kangleon PNP Command.

Monching Buyser, a roving Police reporter of dydm, reported that the outgoing top cop was emotional in his farewell speech, saying he will always treasure his 14 years of service in the province, for it is during his assignment here that he rose from the ranks.

Sources familiar with turn-over of Police officers said it has been a standard operating procedure to reshuffle key personnel after two years of service in a particular locality.

Donayre’s latest stint in the province started in May, 2007, shortly before the elections, it was learned.

As to the new provincial PNP director, before his coming into the province, SSupt. Padaca headed the Regional Personnel and Human Resource Doctrine Development (RPHRDD) at the Regional PNP Office, where he had also served as R1 for administration, it was learned.

He also had a brief tour of duty as PNP chief of Samar and Tarlac, the source added.

Among those who graced the change of command was Gov. Damian Mercado, who called on the PNP to take care of the peace and order situation in the province and nurture its reputation as the most peaceful province in Region 8. (PIA-Southern Leyte)