400 Western Visayas police officers promoted

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four hundred personnel of the Western Visayas police force have been promoted to the next higher rank — from police corporal to police lieutenant colonel.

Brig. Gen. Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, administered the simultaneous oath-taking, donning, and pinning of ranks for second-level uniformed personnel under the Calendar Year 2025 Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLTCOL) Continuous and Regular Promotion Programs.

The ceremony was held Monday, Dec. 15, at the PRO-6 headquarters in Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City.

Three of the promotees now hold the rank of police lieutenant colonel, while one each was promoted to police major and police captain, and six to police lieutenant.

Meanwhile, 389 police noncommissioned officers were elevated to their respective next higher ranks.

Additionally, 20 personnel from national support units (NSUs) stationed in the region were also promoted.

Ligan said the event marked a significant milestone in the professional growth and career advancement of police officers in Western Visayas.

“It underscored the Philippine National Police’s enduring commitment to recognizing merit, competence, and dedication to service,” he said.

Present during the ceremony were personnel from the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) 6, members of the PRO-6 Command Group, regional staff, regional chiefs of national support units, and the families and loved ones of the promoted personnel.

Ligan emphasized that promotion is not only a privilege but also a greater responsibility.

He reminded the promotees that higher rank demands enhanced leadership, integrity, and accountability, urging them to remain role models within the organization and steadfast partners of the communities they serve.

“Leadership is not about the rank you wear, but the responsibility you embrace,” he said.

The region’s top cop told the newly promoted personnel that their new rank is not merely a symbol — it is a call to inspire and lead with humility.

He also stressed that the promotion is a call to set an example, even when no one is watching, and to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service.

The oath-taking reaffirmed the officers’ commitment to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law, and serve the public with professionalism and integrity, while the donning and pinning of ranks symbolized the trust and confidence reposed in them by the organization.