The new director of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) assumed his post Friday, October 1.
Col. Thomas Joseph Martir replaced Col. Manuel Placido, who will be transferred to the PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group in Camp Crame. The turnover was held at the Patnubay Hall at the BCPO Headquarters in Bacolod City.
Prior to his assignment in Bacolod, Martir was assigned to the Police Security Protection Group. He had also headed the Talisay City police.
Martir thanked the Philippine National Police leadership for the trust, confidence and for giving him a chance to serve the Bacolodnons.
“As I embark on the new chapter of my life, I accept the new challenge as the father of the Bacolod police office,” he said.
Placido thanked the Bacolod police, the local government, the city, and the stakeholders for the unwavering support extended to him during his term as the city director.
“Even in my short stint, I was able to make some improvements in this unit. These came to realization through the help of our benevolent stakeholders and full cooperation of BCPO personnel,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, director of Police Regional Office-6, who led the turnover of command, said he is encouraging the newly-installed city police chief “to focus more on the peace and order campaign.”
He also urged the local police force to support Martir “in our fight against criminality. You will be the muscle of this police office in facing this hazard of the pandemic,” he added.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who also attended the turnover rites, welcomed the city’s new top cop.
“I congratulate both of you for your growing careers, and we, in Bacolod City are happy for your making us safe during this time of the pandemic. I welcome the new city director who is very familiar with my place and aware of its culture and the people,” he said.
Both Placido and Martir were members of Philippine National Police Academy “Patnubay” Class of 1995.*