‘Good job, Garbo’

Outgoing Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. was cited for his “outstanding stewardship” of Central Visayas by PNP Director General Alan Purisima in turnover rites yesterday.

Garbo, who served for one year and nine months as the region’s top police chief, steered the PNP through the tumultuous suspension of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the May 13 elections.

Starting today, Garbo will assume his new post as police chief of the National Capital Region.

“I will leave Central Visayas with a heavy heart. I will leave the beautiful places and the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor as well as the men and women of PRO-7,” Garbo said in a speech in Camp Sergio Osmeña.

Purisima said the PNP is “still looking for an equally qualified person to take over as the new PRO-7 director.”

In the meantime, Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo was designated officer-in-charge. Cerbo was the PNP information officer who replaced Chief Supt. Samuel Yordan as deputy regional director for administration last July 5 when Yordan moved to Camp Crame.

Garbo said ensuring clean, honest and orderly elections during the May polls was his most difficult challenge during his stint here.

“We have friends in both camps, talagang nahirapan ako in making decisions”, Garbo said.

As police chief in Metro Manila, Garbo said he will continue the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) program which he introduced in Central Visayas.

Garbo received the Medalya ng Katapatan ng Paglilingkod from Camp Crame for doing well in the campaign against illegal drugs, gambling and in the apprehension of wanted persons in Central Visayas.

Personnel of PRO-7 also gave Garbo a gold statue of Lapu-Lapu.

“This signifies a fresh start for a brighter future of law enforcers in the region,” said Purisima in his speech.

He encouraged Central Visayas police to render full service, dedication, and commitment as law enforcers.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III was one of the public officials who attended the turnover ceremony.

Asked about his choice for regional police chief., Davide said he preferred a Cebuano.

“It would be better if he’s a Cebuano because it’s an advantage in terms of the familiarity of the places,” he said.

The name of Chief Supt. Josephus Angan is being floated as possible replacement of Garbo.

Angan is the brother of Davide’s wife.

Davide said he has yet to talk with Angan about the matter.

After the ceremony, Purisima led the ground-breaking of a PNP clubhouse at PC Hills in barangay Apas.

He also announced plans for new PRO uniforms and a free executive checkup for all police officers to be conducted on their birthday to assess the status of their health. /CORRESPONDENTS CHITO ARAGON AND MICHELLE JOY L. PADAYHAG