By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday that he favors a non-Negros resident to become the next Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) director.

NOCPPO director Colonel Leo Pamittan will transfer to a higher position after completing his term as provincial police head.

“They have to prepare a position for him in the national headquarters,” Lacson said.

He added that there are two candidates who are interested in replacing Pamittan, and they have visited him recently.

However, Lacson said he would wait for the recommendation from the Philippine National Police.

Lacson hopes that the next provincial police director will not have any political affiliations, especially as midterm elections are slated in 2025.

“He should also have the experience to become a provincial director, somebody who does not favor anyone, not biased to anyone,” he said.

Lacson also challenged the next provincial police chief to perform well, pointing out that the three previous NOCPPO directors were awarded as outstanding provincial police directors.

During Pamittan’s term, NOCPPO was recognized as the Best Police Provincial Office in the country last year with a 92.33 percent rating.

Earlier, Lacson said Pamittan did an “outstanding job.”

Pamittan became NOCPPO director in January 2022./DGB, WDJ