BY RUBY SILUBRICO and NYARIKA DOMANAIS
ILOILO – Newly appointed Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) chief, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, has been given strict directives to prioritize cracking down on illegal drugs, gambling and quarry operations.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), emphasized the importance of these focus areas during Razalan’s installation as the officer-in-charge (OIC) director.
Razalan, who also heads PRO-6’s Regional Intelligence Division, assumed his new role following the relief of his IPPO predecessor, Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, who served for over a year.
The change in leadership occurred at a turnover ceremony on Friday, April 19, at the IPPO.
Razalan acknowledged the gravity of the illegal drug problem. He vowed to rigorously review the list of known drug personalities with the assistance of municipal police station chiefs.
“I will be calling a conference with all police chiefs to get updated data and identify our targets,” he said.
Razalan also called for the solidarity and support of Ilonggo police officers, stressing that their cooperation is crucial for the success of his planned initiatives aimed at enhancing safety and security in the province.
He pledged to lead with integrity and competence, aspiring to create a positive and lasting impact on the community.
Brigadier General Wanky expressed his confidence in Razalan’s capabilities, reinforcing the strict no-tolerance policy towards illegal activities.
“There is no difference in our instructions. My directives are very clear to combat illegal drugs and illegal gambling, as well as to oversee quarry operations. We must sustain the no-take policy,” Wanky asserted.
As the IPPO awaits the final shortlist of candidates for the official director position, Razalan’s dual role as both OIC and regional police’s intelligence head is seen to play a crucial role in his leadership approach during this interim period.
Both Razalan and Palomo are alumni of the Philippine National Academy – Kabalikat Class of 1998./PN
