LEADERSHIP changes in law enforcement shape the direction of public safety and community trust. The recent turnover of command at the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) from Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky to Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan comes at a crucial time, as Western Visayas continues to face complex peace and order challenges amid rising public expectations for police accountability and efficiency.
Under General Wanky’s watch, the PRO-6 delivered noteworthy achievements. The region saw a relatively peaceful conduct of the 2025 midterm elections, effective crime prevention campaigns, and sustained anti-drug operations that helped suppress major threats to local security. Just as importantly, Wanky prioritized community engagement, a pillar often overlooked in metrics-focused policing. These accomplishments laid a solid groundwork, and any disruption in momentum could jeopardize public confidence.
General Ligan, in his assumption speech, clearly understands this. His vow to uphold a performance-driven, service-focused leadership model and his intent to personally evaluate police commanders indicates that he intends to raise the bar even higher. However, in doing so, continuity must remain a priority. The programs and systems that proved effective under Wanky must not be discarded for the sake of reinvention. Police leadership transitions must build on gains — not start from scratch.
That said, continuity without innovation can breed complacency. The evolving nature of crime — cyber scams, drug syndicate adaptations, and community-level violence — demands innovation in strategy, training, and technology. Ligan’s focus on fast police response, particularly in urban areas like Iloilo City, is a welcome and strategic initiative. His plan to assess mobility assets and communication systems also signals a move toward smarter, tech-enabled policing.
But modernization must also mean deeper community intelligence work, data-driven policing, and greater inter-agency coordination. Innovation cannot be just about equipment — it must include mindset shifts within the ranks and stronger collaboration with civil society.
As General Ligan begins his tenure, he inherits both a legacy of success and a set of challenges. It is now his task to sustain the momentum, refine the strategies, and deepen public trust. The people of Western Visayas are watching — not only for results, but for the assurance that progress in public safety will not falter with every change at the top.
