Lady officer is new Guimaras police chief

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A lady officer from Digos City, Davao del Sur was formally installed as the new chief of the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO).

Colonel Rhea Santos took over the top GPPO post in a ceremony held at the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 headquarters at Camp Martin Delgado, Iloilo City on Jan. 12.

Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, Western Visayas police chief, led the turnover of command ceremony.

Santos, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) 2000, succeeded her upper-class senior, Colonel Richard Baluis.

Baluis was relieved from his post after completing his usual two-year stint. He led the GPPO since Jan. 8, 2022.

Baluis is now assigned to the PRO-6 headquarters.

Before leaving GPPO, Baluis talked about steadfast dedication and exceptional leadership that steered the unit.

Under his leadership, he claimed that GPPO has made notable milestones.

Citing his financial management knowledge, he claimed that GPPO was able to ensure the proper utilization of maintenance and operating expenses or MOOE, “leading to significant investments and infrastructure projects, office and IT equipment.”

He claimed to have also championed the morale and development of his personnel.

Baluis also reported GPPO’s operational accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Santos delivered a short message wherein she thanked the local government of Guimaras and the PNP hierarchy for giving her the opportunity to serve the province.

Knowing that Guimaras is a peaceful and thriving province, “the greater challenge is how to maintain the peace and security of the area amidst the rising economic development.”

Vikalflor, on the other hand, told Santos not to be complacent in GPPO’s peace and order efforts, despite the province being relatively peaceful.

He noted that the province, being bounded by the sea, should be a reason for policemen to remain proactive.

The region’s top cop has advocated for the regular conduct of simulation exercises for personnel to be always on alert and ready to respond to any eventualities.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Borromeo will replace Santos as the chief of the Regional Logistics Division (RLD).