IPPO chief hopes to mold dignified, disciplined cops

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Establishing dignity among men in uniform. Installing discipline. Developing integrity.

Newly designated Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) officer-in-charge Colonel Gilbert Gorero would be using an affirmative approach usually designed to promote respect for oneself and for others as his strategy in leading the more than 2,000 men and women of IPPO.

Gorero, who took IPPO’s helm on Sept 15, 2020, said that his leadership would be anchored to sustaining the gain and transformation by implementing a stronger Police Regional Office (PRO)-6.

It might be an “ambitious” vision for an organization that has constantly been rocked with controversies, but Gorero said he is bent on giving his best effort to achieve it.

And how would he do it?

“We would do it through the implementation of focus programs align with PRO-6 mantra. These include sustained reformation; internal cleansing and developing leaders; and pro-active and smart policing.”

For sustained reformation to happen, Gorero said they must consider the aspects of Human Resources, infrastructure and equipment, and system and processes.

As to the internal cleaning, “I always believe that whatever reforms you want to do, it must start by cleaning up your own backyard first,” he said.

Proactive and smart policing would delve into the implementation of law enforcement operation; enforcement of laws without fear or favor (ordinances and special laws); and increase the police presence in places of convergence, among others.

Gorero said the programs he mentioned are nothing new to the PNP organization.

“There is no new program but continuity of what was already implemented,” he said.

Gorero, who was best known as the face of PRO-6, was designated as officer-in-charge of IPPO effective Tuesday.

He will oversee the IPPO, on top of his designation as chief of the Regional Plans Division.

He will “temporarily” assume the post vacated by Colonel Paul Kenneth Lucas.

The relief was triggered by Lucas’ reassignment as chief of staff of the PNP Finance Service effective Sept 14, 2020.

Lucas, who used to be the chief of the PRO-6 Comptrollership Division, was designated IPPO chief on Feb 12, 2020.