ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said he is waiting for the official shortlist from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) before recommending a permanent provincial director for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), stressing that there is no urgent need to fast-track the appointment as the current officer-in-charge is fulfilling the role effectively.
Defensor was supposed to meet this week with PRO-6’s new regional director, Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, to discuss the matter. However, the meeting was postponed due to the governor’s prior commitments in Metro Manila.
“Next week, when I return, I have a pending meeting with our new regional director. I’m waiting for the process to move forward. Once they send the shortlist, we will make a recommendation,” Defensor said in a radio interview with RMN Iloilo on Thursday morning, July 10.
Police Colonel Toland Bulalacao has been serving as OIC of IPPO since May 11, 2025, following the reassignment of former director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan to the PRO-6 Regional Headquarters. Bulalacao previously served in key roles at the regional office, including as chief of the Regional Logistics and Research Development Division.
Despite Bulalacao’s temporary designation, Defensor said there is no substantial difference between an officer-in-charge and a full-fledged director in terms of daily operations and performance.
“We still have a provincial director. Whether acting or regular, I don’t see any issues with performance. There’s a process to follow, and I’m fine with that. No need to rush,” Defensor added.
The governor emphasized that he has no preferences for who will be appointed as the full-fledged IPPO director, as long as the selection follows the proper procedures and the appointee is committed to working for the peace and order of Iloilo Province.
Under Philippine National Police (PNP) policy, PRO-6 must submit a shortlist of three qualified senior officers to the Office of the Governor, from which Defensor will select the next IPPO chief./PN
