Ligan Named New Police Chief of Western Visayas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. will no longer assume command of the Western Visayas police force.

In an amended order, the Philippine National Police has reassigned Peñones to lead the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2).

Brig. Gen. Josefino D. Ligan, who was originally designated as incoming PRO-1 regional director, will now head PRO-6.

Lt. Col. Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson, did not disclose the reason for the change but confirmed that the order was effective Thursday, June 19.

Ligan, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1996, previously served as director of the Northern Police District under the National Capital Region Police Office.

He also held posts as deputy director for administration of the Eastern Police District, deputy director for operations of the Quezon City Police District, and director of the Cebu City Police Office.

Ligan replaces Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, who has been designated regional director of PRO-4A.

A turnover of command ceremony is scheduled today, June 21.

In a statement Friday, PRO-6 expressed gratitude to Wanky for his “steadfast leadership and outstanding service to the people of Western Visayas.”

Since taking command in February 2024, Wanky has led PRO-6 with integrity, strategic foresight and a strong commitment to public safety.

The statement noted that his tenure was marked by major accomplishments in anti-crime operations, internal reforms and community-police partnerships.

Under Wanky’s leadership, PRO-6 made significant progress in strengthening public trust, enhancing police capability and maintaining peace and order in the region.