There will be no change in leadership at the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7).
Police Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro said he was instructed by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Camilo Cascolan to stay in his post “and wait for further instruction”.
“Last (Monday night), I was informed by the PNP Chief that I’ll remain and stay put here in PRO 7 and wait for further instruction. There will be no turnover yet,” Ferro said in an interview Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo was supposed to assume his post as new PRO 7 chief on Wednesday, while Ferro will reportedly be moved to the Integrated Police Operations, Southern Luzon.
Ferro said there was no specific reason why he was asked to stay put.
The PNP Chief also did not mention until when the status quo will be in effect.
“There was no specific reason but the guidance that those who have been in position for more than one year will be rotated and will be transferred to higher positions,” said Ferro.
Ferro took over as PRO 7 chief last February.
Ferro led the observance of the 142nd birth anniversary of former Philippine President Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. on Wednesday at the PRO 7 Headquarters.
Ferro announced that the PRO 7 was already coronavirus disease (COVID-19) free.
At least 540 PRO 7 personnel got infected with the virus and all of them have already recovered, Ferro said.
“The best accomplishment that I could be proud of is that we were able to bring the COVID-19 cases to a manageable level. In fact, we were able to get that modified general community quarantine status,” Ferro said.
Ferro said the PRO 7 was able to contain the spread of the virus through its “i5” campaign.
“The “i5” means inform, identify, isolation, intervention and integration. This “i5” campaign was able to support the “test, trace, treat” or T3 policy of the government,” Ferro said.