The Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) is searching for the next Regional Directorial Staff (RDS) head after the Regional Director for Administration (RDA) Police Chief Supt. Ernesto A. Tesoro, Jr. retired last June 4.

With this development, other police officials were immediately promoted to occupy higher posts. Tesoro's position was filled by Police Sr. Supt. Manuel Felix, formerly the Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO). Felix was replaced by Police Sr. Supt. Wesley Barayuga, leaving the latter's post as vacant.

Two high-ranking police officials are now competing for the said position. They are Senior Superintendent Gil Lebin, currently the provincial director of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio, city director of Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

SATISFIED

Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. said he is satisfied with the accomplishments of Lebin especially with the latter's campaign against all forms of illegal activities like cattle rustling and highway robbery.

"We have a good peace and order situation in the province during Lebin's stint. If ever he will be chosen, he deserves it," he said.

Defensor admitted that one problem they cannot eradicate is gambling especially daily-double.

So far, the governor said the PNP Headquarters has not submitted to his office the list of nominees but he prefers an Ilonggo or someone who has served Iloilo before.

The PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame, Manila will make an official announcement on the selected officer next week.

DELICADEZA

Defensor admitted that his police relative, Senior Superintendent Cornelio Defensor, provincial director of Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) is also interested and qualified to be the provincial director of Iloilo.

But, out of delicadeza, he doesn't want to abuse his authority.

Senior Superintendent Defensor was a former regional intelligence officer of the PRO-6 prior to his present post.*