2,711 police in W. Visayas celebrate promotions

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Amid the exuberant support of family and friends, 2,711 policemen in Western Visayas were elevated to higher ranks.

The officers, comprising newly-promoted Police Commissioned Officers (PCO) and Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCO), took their oaths and received their new insignia on the afternoon of March 25 at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City and elsewhere in the region.

Of the officers promoted, 172 are PCOs and 2,539 are PNCOs. A majority advanced from police corporal to staff sergeant, totaling 666.

The promotions included 520 new master sergeants, 474 corporals, 421 senior master sergeants, 321 chief master sergeants, and 154 executive master sergeants.

Among the officers, there are now 99 police lieutenants, 56 captains, 12 majors, and six lieutenant colonels.

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) saw the highest number of promotions with 624 officers, followed by Iloilo PPO with 507, Capiz PPO with 314; Aklan PPO with 271; Antique PPO with 268; Bacolod City Police Office with 197; Bacolod City PO with 180; Regional Mobile Force Battalion with 127; Guimaras PPO with 102; and the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 headquarters with 81.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the police chief of Western Visayas, emphasized that these promotions are a recognition of the officers’ dedication and hard work over their careers.

However, he also reminded them of the increased responsibilities that accompany their new ranks. He encouraged the officers to maintain a high standard of professionalism and to approach their roles with humility, dedication, and commitment.

Wanky also challenged the officers to continually improve and never settle for mediocrity. He encouraged them to lead by example and to inspire those around them.