Region 1’s new top cop seasoned in Mindanao

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union — Crime-busting and cleaning of the ranks will be the two-pronged priority of Chief Superintendent Gregorio R. Pimentel as he assumed Monday the top post at the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1), here.

Pimentel received the flag of responsibility as the new Regional Director (RD) from Chief Supt. Ericson Velasquez in a simple turn-over ceremony held at the PRO1 Grandstand, here.

Pimentel, a native of San Quintin, Pangasinan, is the former deputy regional director for Administration of the PRO13 and a classmate in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985 of Velasquez and Chief Supt. Ramon C. Apolinario, acting chief of the PNP Directorial Staff who officiated yesterday’s turnover ceremony.

“I commit myself to sincerity and dedication to duty and we will unite and work hand-in-hand to attain our goal for better public service and we should never get tired of doing what is good,” said Pimentel as he vowed to continue the good works of his predecessor (Velasquez).

In addition, Pimentel said he will strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs and anti-criminality in support to the goal of PNP Chief Ronald Dela Rosa and President Rodrigo Duterte.

Velasquez, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the men and women of PRO1 especially the community for their support and cooperation during his term as he even encouraged them to commit the same to his successor (Pimentel).