Welcome to the new Chief

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

We welcome the appointment of Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz as the new director of the Bacolod City Police Office, and congratulate him for the distinction. De la Paz comes into the scene at a time when the people of Bacolod have just gone through the incumbency of two previous police directors who, while obviously well-meaning and sincere in their performance of their duties, were also obviously unable to meet all the expectations of residents as well as the business, academe and other sectors during their incumbency. Thankfully, however, despite some of their perceived shortcomings, the last two were never perceived to be dishonest or afflicted with the malady of graft and corruption that had hit so many of the top officers of the police organization. It is a big order that De la Paz is taking on with his appointment. He has to deal with the petty crimes taking place in so many parts of the city, as well as the bigger ones involving illegal drugs and illegal gambling. Admittedly, he had shown some inroads during the few weeks of his stint as officer-in-charge, but do we have reason to hope that such manifestation are not just starters that may not persevere? The new police chief comes to the job with good credentials and experience, having served in similar positions in other cities. We hope, therefore, that the experience and know-how he had gained in those other assignments will be put to good use during his stint in Bacolod City. It is a good sign that he is adopting the latest technology in the performance of his task, and that he has, so far, shown an openness to the media that could be beneficial in his attempts to reach out to the people under his guard. Such adaptability and readiness to try new methods and techniques to the very challenging task of heading the police in such a growing city as Bacolod is certainly most welcome to its residents. We therefore welcome Police Chief De la Paz and wish him luck in his task of protecting our people and keeping Bacolod peaceful and crime-free, to help it attain its full potentials as one of the country’s most progressive cities.*