CHIEF Supt. Danilo Constantino yesterday vowed to uphold human rights as a cornerstone of his leadership after he formally took command of the police forces in Central Visayas.
PNP Deputy Director-General Ager Ontog Jr. presided over the change of command in ceremonies held at Camp Sergio Osmeña.
Constantino, a member of Class 1982 of the Philippine Military Academy, took the command saber from Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, who was OIC director of Police Regional Office 7 for less than a month.
Cerbo, former spokesman of the PNP, temporarily headed PRO-7 after its commander, Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, was designated director of the NCR Police Office, a two star-rank post.
“Basic principles of human rights, yan ang foundation ng aking pamamalakad (that’s the foundation of my administration),” Constantino said.
He vowed to uphold the constitutional rights of every citizen, including those who are accused of violating the law.
Constantino likewise said he will continue the program rolled out by Chief Supt. Garbo, particularly the Police Integrated Patrol System (Pips)
“I give my commitment to the people organization and the citizens of the Central Visayas region, that I will work to continue the legacy of my predecessor”, Constantino said.
“So I urge everyone to keep our strategies and initiatives aligned as well as attuned with this blueprint so that we can ensure the continuity of projects and establishment of breakthrough results”, he added.
Constantino said his program also includes an aggressive campaign against illegal drugs and illegal gambling activities as well as giving recognition to good cops and disciplining of bad cops. / Correspondent Chito O. Aragon