New PRO-6 chief vows to remain apolitical

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Take it from the newly installed Western Visayas police chief: Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 will remain apolitical.

Brigadier General Flynn Dongbo made this assurance after he assumed the PRO-6 top post Wednesday.

After the turn-over rites, which was presided over by PNP chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, a retirement ceremony was held to honor Dongbo’s predecessor, Brigadier General Rolando Miranda.

During the event, Dongbo addressed the 13,000-strong PRO-6 personnel on the need to prepare for the May 2022 national and local elections.

“I would like to assure our chief PNP that PRO6 will remain apolitical. We will never allow ourselves to be used for anyone’s political ends,” he said.

Dongbo said that PRO-6 will “strongly and firmly remain faithful to our apolitical mandate to ensure and protect the will of the electorate towards honest, orderly, and peaceful elections.”

It can be noted that when Eleazar visited the region on October 7, he also told PNP personnel that they should maintain being apolitical.

He stressed that a policeman’s loyalty is to the Constitution and the Filipino people.

WORKING PRINCIPLES

During his assumption of office, Dongbo emphasized organizational discipline as the first on his working principles’ list.

It doesn’t come as a surprise though since he used to head the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG), the primary unit for information gathering and conduct of offensive operations against erring police personnel.

“There will be no room for breach of discipline and misconduct,” he said.

Citing the redefined doctrine of command responsibility, Dongbo stressed that he will be taking all unit commanders/supervisors responsible for the conduct of their subordinates, especially those who are involved in criminal activities and corrupt practices.

The new PRO-6 chief reminded personnel that their uniform is a sacred symbol of their profession alongside the honor and privilege of being able to wear the garment.

Aside from organizational discipline, he also laid out three other principles he would adopt.

These include effective leadership and management in the application of broken window theory; personal capacity building and career enhancement program; community empowerment.

By broken window theory, he wanted commanders to make solutions when a problem occurs if it is within the bounds of their authority.

He also assured to provide appropriate training based on the need analysis and opportunity based on merits and qualification standards.

“We will not let anyone, including fraternal and political patronage by any individual or group, seek special favors, especially in the recruitment selection and promotion process,” Dongbo said.

He also cited the importance of strengthening partnership with the stakeholders and their counterparts in law enforcement.