Leyte exec sees better police, community relations in Region 8

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 4  -- The Leyte provincial government is optimistic of better relationships between the community and the police with the appointment of a new regional chief for Eastern Visayas.

Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto is optimistic that Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director, Chief Supt. Gilberto Cruz will give emphasis on linking with the community, given the latter’s previous assignment as head of the Police Community Relations Group.

“He was in charge of the community relations of PNP central office and with him at the helm of the police regional office in Eastern Visayas, there would be a truism in the police motto that the PNP is the community and the community is the PNP.” Loreto said.

Cruz is expected to touch base with different stakeholders. In the process, PNP will become more relevant and more pressing issues and concerns will be addressed.

“Many issues and problems are solved with a closer working relationship between the PNP, government and community,” Loreto added. “We are at an advantage because he is one of the closest generals to PNP chief Ronald Dela Rosa.”

Cruz assumed the regional director post on August 30, replacing Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar, who retired from 36 years of government service.

In a meeting with key Leyte officials, the new police regional chief vowed to work on projects supporting the rehabilitation of drug dependents, utilization of social media, and engaging the public to carry out development projects. (LAAA/PNA)