Former chief of Central Visayas police says he’s leaving office with ‘head held up high’

CEBU CITY — After a surprising reassignment, the former director of the Central Visayas police has left his office with “head held up high.”

“I am leaving team PNP (Philippine National Police) Region 7 with head (held) up high after being recently hailed as the regional office with the highest crime drop nationwide,” said Brigadier General Roderick Augustus Alba.

He said the Central Visayas police have had a huge illegal drug haul since October when he became regional director. He said they also have the highest number of arrests and cases filed in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

READ: Alba relieved as PRO-7 chief after two-month stint

Alba said he has no hard feelings about his sudden transfer, saying police officers are always open to any changes in their careers.

“As a good policeman (or) officer that we are, we are always mandated to follow kung ano man yong instructions sa amin,” he said.

“I guess there are better plans for me in my career as a police officer,” he added.

Alba believed that his transfer to Camp Crame was a form of “career advancement.”

Alba was replaced by Brigadier General Jerry Bearis who said he will continue the program initiated by Alba, especially since Cebu is now preparing for the holidays and its biggest event next year, the Sinulog Festival 2023.

“I am reminding everyone of the strict no take policy in any form of material or monetary derived especially from operators of illegal gambling, illegal drugs, and other entities of dubious operations or activities,” Bearis said.