By CESAR JOLITO III

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Police Colonel Dennis Wenceslao was his choice to lead the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), expressing confidence that the officer can handle the responsibilities of provincial police director.

“I haven’t met him personally yet, but I have seen his personal data, and I am happy and confident that he can do a good job,” Lacson said.

He stressed that his marching order for Wenceslao would be peace and order, adding that this must always be pursued fairly and without favor.

Wenceslao, a native of Nueva Ecija, is the current chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region.

Lacson said he also expects Wenceslao to reach out to all local chief executives and personally visit them once he assumes office as a preferred successor to outgoing NOCPPO director, Police Colonel Rainero de Chavez.

Meanwhile, Lacson praised De Chavez for his service, noting that he had no complaints about the outgoing police director’s performance.

“He was always there whenever I called for him,” the governor said.

Police Lt. Colonel Joem Malong, NOCPPO Deputy for Administration, confirmed that De Chavez has received reassignment orders from the Negros Island Police Regional Office to be transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

However, Malong added that the Philippine National Police has yet to release an official order designating the new provincial director.

As of press time, the details of De Chavez’s transfer and designation to CIDG remain pending./CJ, WDJ