Guimaras has new police chief

AFTER serving Guimaras province for more than two years, Police Colonel Julio Gustilo finally bid adieu.

Gustilo was relieved as director of the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) effective April 30, 2019, or two years and three days after he assumed the post.

As contained in Special Orders Number 2019-446, Gustilo was relieved from post and will be succeeded by Colonel Esmeraldo Osia Jr., the chief of the Aviation Security Group (Avsegroup) in Western Visayas.

The two will appear to swap post as Gustilo is now assigned with the Avsegroup. He is expected to receive his order of reassignment to Avsegroup-Region 6 soon.

Gustilo said he asked for reassignment even months before, citing career advancement.

“I have been with Guimaras PPO for quite some time already. It’s time that I explore other career opportunities,” he said.

Guimaras, a sub-province of Iloilo until it was made an independent province on May 22, 1992, is composed of five municipalities – Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, Sibunag, and San Lorenzo.

Even Police Brigadier General John Bulalacao, Western Visayas police chief, said that Gustilo was relieved because he exceeded the normal two-year tour of duty.

Meanwhile, Bulalacao said that Osia is not expected to stay long as Guimaras police chief.

After the midterm polls, a new round of reshuffling of personnel will be done.

Osia is slated to be assigned as chief of the Aklan Police Provincial Office (AKPPO).

On the other hand, AKPPO’s current director, PCol. Lope Manlapaz, will take over Guimaras police’s top post.

Manlapaz, too, has exceeded the maximum two-year stint.