CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Police Col. Sandro Jay dela Cruz Tafalla was appointed Tuesday as new Laguna police chief.
Tafalla replaced Police Col. Jonar Yupio in a ceremony presided over by Police Regional Office 4-A chief Police Brig. Gen. Hansel Marantan.
Tafalla underscored his commitment to uphold professionalism, integrity, and community partnership in advancing effective and responsive police service.
Marantan is confident that Tafalla will sustain and enhance the operational achievements of the Laguna police force.
“To the citizens of Laguna, and to the members of the community, peace is not a gift, pinaghirapan ‘yan ng ating mga police officer, ng ating PDs. The trust of the community and the leadership that bridges the past and the future, together we move forward strong, united and unwavering in our duty,” Marantan said.
Amazon arrested
The Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command reported that a New People's Army (NPA) amazon was arrested and facing a murder charge over the death of an Army officer – Capt. Dean Buen Oyando – during an encounter in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, on March 29.
The 2nd Infantry Division called for respect for human dignity following the circulation online of the member's identity and photograph – Charleze Garzon, alias Ka Kaye – stressing that even individuals involved in armed conflict deserve the protection of their rights and personal dignity.
Garzon is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station. Two other soldiers were wounded in the gun battle.
Holy Week assistance
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The Department of Public Works and Highways Region 4-A has reactivated the Lakbay Alalay 2026 motorist’s assistance program for the Holy Week.
DPWH Region 4-A Director Carol Pastrana said these assistance stations on national highways set up by the regional office and all 16 district engineering offices will be open from 8 a.m. April 1 to 5 p.m. April 4.