CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)--Brig. Gen Ricardo G. Layug, Jr. assumed his new post as director of the Police Regional Office in Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) on October 10.

He replaced BGen. Lawrence B. Coop, who is officially retiring under the mandatory retirement age.

Layug graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993 and has served as director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Engineering Service and the former chief of the PNP Aviation Security Unit in the National Capital Region.

In a turnover ceremony at Camp Vicente Alagar in Cagayan de Oro, led by Lt. Gen. Filmore Escobal, Area Police Command chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Mindanao, the PRO-10 lauded Coop’s leadership in bringing significant milestones that produced a lasting impact in the region’s police force.

Escobal explained that the ceremony embodies a time-honored tradition within the military and police services that symbolizes smooth transition and continuity of programs aimed to achieve tactical, operational, and strategic objectives from one commander to another.

“For the outgoing and incoming commanders, it signifies the passing of the torch and the transfer of burdens, functions, duties, and responsibilities. It is a solemn commitment to delivering the best police service our people deserve, enabling them to pursue their daily activities and exercise their basic freedoms,” Escobal said.

The outgoing commander is a member of PNPA's Tagapagkalinga Class of 1991 and has served as PRO-10 director for 14 months with distinction. 

He highlighted the accomplishments that the men and women of PRO-10 had achieved under his leadership and expressed full support for his successor.

"I have full confidence that the legacy of professionalism, commitment, and dedication we have collectively built will continue under the leadership of my successor, PBGen Ricardo Gonzales Layug Jr. He brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to our shared mission--to serve and protect," Coop said.

Meanwhile, Escobal challenged the incoming leader to build upon the foundation laid down by his predecessors.

He also called on the men and women of PRO-10 to offer unwavering support to their new leader.

As PRO-10 embarks on a new journey under its new leader, Layug laid down his goal to enhance peace and order in the region through strong collaboration with various stakeholders and communities.

"I encourage everyone to continue building collaboration and dialogue with our stakeholders as they are our partners in improving our services. Through our collaboration, we share responsibility for building a peaceful society. Let us engage with the people and listen to their insights on what we can achieve together. I urge every PRO-10 personnel to extend a dedicated hand in reaching out to the people we have sworn to serve and protect," Layug said.

He also committed to recognizing even minor achievements of his personnel, particularly those within the community, while remaining firm with those who failed to uphold their sworn duties and responsibilities.

The PRO-10 chief called on the police force to align with the vision and ambition set by PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda, "Serbisyong Nagkakaisa," and continue to provide excellent public service. (JAKA/PIA10)