FOR their commendable contribution and support to peace and development work, the Directorate for Integral Police Operations (DIPO) in Western Mindanao has awarded Gov. Aurora Cerilles and 24 others.
The awarding activities were made during the DIPO’s first founding anniversary last Nov. 14 at Garden Orchid Hotel in Zamboanga City where PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Jesus Versoza presented the award along with DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno and Police Director Felizardo Serapio Jr.
Serapio, who heads DIPO, cited the governor’s leadership and direction during the abduction and subsequent release of Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott.
Serapio was referring to Cerilles’ exemplary contribution displayed when after less than a day from Sinnott’s abduction; she immediately convened the Executive Committee of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, and created the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) to speed up rescue operations for the abducted priest.
Cerilles and the CMC have been keeping an eye on the matter personally, in close coordination with the PNP and Columban regional director Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue.
It was learned also that President Gloria Arroyo phoned Cerilles a few hours after Sinnott was released last Nov. 12 and congratulated the governor and CMC for a job well done.
Puno, in his message, said that the president has directed the PNP to create the DIPO-WESMIN to work hand in hand with local government units nationwide, the military and the people to mount stronger and broader pursuit operations against criminals, lawless and terrorists.
Other awardees include Governors Jum Akbar of Basilan, Jesus Sacdalan of North Cotabato, Miguel Rene Dominguez of Saranggani, Abdusakur Tan of Sulu, George Hofer of Zamboanga Sibugay, Jesus Sacdalan of North Cotabato, Rolando Yebes of Zamboanga Del Norte and Vice Governors Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul of Basilan, Steve Solon of Sarangani.
Meanwhile, Mayors Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga and Muslimen Sema of Cotabato were also given awards along with M/Gen. Ben Dolorfino of Wesmincom, Lt. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer Eastmincom and Rear Admiral Alexander Pama of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, M/Gen. Romeo Lustestica of the 1st Tabak Army Division and PNP-9 Director C/Supt. Angelo Sunglao, among others.
REPORT BY ZAMBOSUR PROVINCIAL PRESS BUREAU