By Nanette Guadalquiver/Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY — The outgoing director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 in Western Visayas has urged policemen in Negros Occidental to protect their service reputation, which is highly important to gain the trust of their superiors and colleagues.
Brig. Gen. John Bulalacao, who is set to retire on June 27 after more than three decades in the service, issued this reminder during his farewell message before the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office personnel led by Col. Romeo Baleros at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. here on Thursday.
“When I say service reputation, it is the collective judgment of one’s abilities and character by his superiors, peers, and subordinates. It is very important to our career because it is the basis of the trust of our leaders and colleagues,” he said.
He cited the case of the three non-commissioned officers under PRO-6, whose promotions as lieutenants were denied by the Philippine National Police (PNP) hierarchy because of their derogatory records.
“If you have done something that’s not good in the past, this is listed in the records of our national headquarters. There will be a reckoning time. True enough, these three applicants for police lieutenants (were not able) to take their oath because of poor service reputation,” Bulalacao said.
He noted that he trusted Baleros to lead the police force in Negros Occidental because he had shown the qualities of a good and trustworthy leader.
Bulalacao said Baleros worked with him as an intelligence officer during his stint as director of Cavite Police Provincial Office and later took him in as head of intelligence of PRO-6.
“In other words, he has a record of an excellent officer who can be depended and relied upon. And this is his service reputation. Remember, your service reputation will precede you wherever you will go,” he added.
Bulalacao also told the Negrense policemen to maintain discipline.
“Everybody knows that joining the PNP is difficult, but it is (easy) to be kicked out from the service with just a single misdemeanor. But if we will discipline ourselves, we will achieve our dreams and make a positive impact on our organization,” he said.
Moreover, the PRO-6 chief encouraged policemen to be dedicated to their duties, saying their job does not only put food on the table but also paves the way to realize their dreams.
“(Our job) also brings honors to ourselves. There is no reason therefore that we will not give our best and make sacrifices,” he added.
Bulalacao concluded that policemen should always believe in the power of prayers.
“Nothing is impossible when we pray. Our God will never fail us. He is always there, waiting for us to seek his help,” he said.
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