DAGUPAN CITY – The new director of the Dagupan City Police Office on Friday vowed to hire more personnel and upgrade facilities.
Col. Arnold Solomon, who succeeded Col. Orly Pagaduan, said he would improve the facilities of police stations, apart from keeping peace and order in the city.
“Maayos ang bilang ng police personnel kasi since nag-a-adjust tayo, more facilities at mga police stations. Maayos ang traffic management, road safety, disaster preparedness, campaign against criminalities especially on illegal drugs (Improve the number of police personnel since we are adjusting, including more facilities and police stations. An orderly traffic management, road safety, disaster preparedness, campaign against criminalities especially on illegal drugs),” he said when asked about his plans.
Solomon also asked support from Dagupeños.
“We need the cooperation and support of the people, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders,” he added.
Ilocos Police Regional Office director Brig. Gen. Dindo Reyes, in a separate interview, said with the upgrading of the Dagupan City Police Station into a police office last year, more personnel have been hired.
Reyes said from more than 200 police personnel, the number of manpower so far increased to more than 400.
“There will be additional personnel since we have a recruitment process. In fact, there will be additional 20 policemen set to report at the DCPO,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez said the partnership with the police in upholding peace and order, enforcing the law with fairness and compassion, and strengthening community-based policing would continue.
“We expect our police force that is responsive, disciplined, people-oriented and always guided by respect for human rights, and the rule of law,” she said.
Solomon is a member of Philippine National Police Academy Magilas Class of 2000. Before his assignment here, he served as chief of the Philippine National Police – Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group.
He had served in the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office as chief of police of a number of localities. He is a native of San Carlos City, Pangasinan. (PNA)