New South Cotabato cop chief installed

KORONADAL CITY –– A South Cotabato native assumed Wednesday as the provincial police commander, replacing another who was not in good terms with the rookie governor.

Colonel Jemuel Siason replaced Col. Joel Limson in a ceremony presided by Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, Police Regional Office-12 director.

“I expect the new provincial police director to be at par or even exceed the achievement of his predecessor,” Corpus said.

During the turnover rites, Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. was represented by his executive assistant, Rudy Jimenea.

Tamayo said in the morning that he requested higher police officials to assign Siason, who used to be the regional police’s operations chief.

“With PD (provincial director) Siason, we will strive to enhance the province’s peace and order situation, and intensify the fight against illegal drugs and other forms of criminality,” Tamayo said.

Siason vowed to give his best in adherence to the police organization’s motto of “to serve and to protect.”

“I will strengthen the police’s relationship with the community. The citizenry is important to maintain the peace and order,” he said, thanking Tamayo for trusting him.

Siason also pledged to rid the provincial police office of erring personnel and to intensify the fight against criminality.

Siason is the son of the late South Cotabato board member Eduardo Siason, and older brother of Koronadal police chief Lt. Col. Joefel Siason.

Tamayo and Limson quarreled publicly last September after gambling operators attempted to resume the operation of small town lottery (STL) in the province.

President Duterte suspended lotto and STL operations in July due to “massive corruption.” He lifted the suspension in August.

Limson was appointed by former governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, whom Tamayo defeated in the May 2019 polls.

Despite their animosity, Tamayo said Limson “also performed well.”

Edited by LZB