The 744 promoted personnel of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) were challenged by their respective superiors yesterday to elevate their performance in serving their respective communities.

A total of 527 officers under the NOCPPO and the national support units of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and 217 others from the BCPO donned new ranks and took their oath in ceremonies held at their respective headquarters in this highly-urbanized city.

In his message, NOCPPO Director Colonel Rainerio de Chavez underscored that promotions are not just a change in title, but are milestones that reflect the hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication of each personnel to the mission of the PNP and the community they serve.

“As you don your new ranks today, expect to encounter challenges and opportunities. Be prepared to foster an environment that encourages teamwork, resilience and continuous improvement. I urge each of you to wear your new ranks with pride and responsibility,” he said.

Under the NOCPPO, 475 personnel were promoted, while 38 were from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, six from the PNP Maritime Group, four from the Aviation Group, and two each from the Anti-Kidnapping Group and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Meanwhile, BCPO Director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said a promotion comes with responsibility, reminding the promoted personnel that “a higher rank entails greater expectations, heightened duties, and more demanding challenges.”

“Output and performance must elevate to match the new level of accountability that the rank symbolizes. Embrace your new roles, step beyond your comfort zones, and be prepared for potential reassignments, which are crucial steps in shaping leadership skills and advancing professional growth,” Coronica said in his keynote address.

Of the 217 promoted BCPO personnel, 208 are police non-commissioned officers while nine are commissioned officers. (PNA)