This August 31, 2022, photo shows Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. during a press briefing in Malacañang. Philippine Daily Inquirer/ Marianne Bermudez
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has deactivated the Maguindanao police office and activated new ones in both Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte following the division of the province into two new political territories.
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. led the ceremony of the old police command unit deactivation and the activation of the new offices at Camp Salipada K. Pendatun in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte, on Monday, April 10.
“The activation of these two new PPOs manifest enduring progress in the Bangsamoro region. The challenge, therefore, is for the new PPOs and their entire teams to perform their mandate with discipline, integrity, and professionalism,” Azurin said in a statement issued Tuesday.
He added that the activation of the new offices was in line with the ratification of Republic Act 11550 in September last year and was approved under the National Police Commission Resolution No. 2323-0213.
“Maguindanao Del Sur PPO will still be based at Camp Datu Akilan Ampatuan in the capital town of Shariff Aguak, composed of 24 Municipal Police Stations under the leadership of Police Col. Roel Sermese as the provincial director,” the PNP said.
“Subsequently, Maguindanao Del Norte is temporarily situated at Camp BGen. Salipada K Pendatun, Municipality of Parang, composed of 12 Municipal Police Stations and will be under the command of Police Col. James Gulmatico as the OIC (officer-in-charge), provincial director,” it added.
The police force also vowed to continue its work “towards peace and progress in the Bangsamoro region and uphold its duty to serve and protect the Filipino people.”
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