(PNP Police Regional Office 1 facebook page)
CAMP BGEN OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union — A battle-tested police commander with nearly three decades of experience in crime investigation, tactical operations and security has taken charge of the police force in the entire Ilocos Region.
PBGen. Crisaleo Roleda Tolentino, a member of the Philippine National Police Academy “Kaagapay” Class of 1996, is the new director of the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1).
Tolentino assumed the post following the reassignment of PBGen. Jovencio Badua as director of the PNP’s Police Community Relations.
The new Ilocos top cop brings a broad operational background to the region, having served in some of the PNP’s key frontline and specialized units.
Before taking over PRO1, Tolentino headed the PNP Maritime Group, where he handled maritime law enforcement and complex security operations.
He also served as police chief of Dumaguete City, worked with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), handled SWAT and police operations, and held key positions in the Aviation Security Group.
His stint with the PNP Directorate for Operations further exposed him to national-level police planning, operational coordination and security concerns.
Tolentino’s experience now faces a new test as he takes command of police forces in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.
His immediate challenge is to turn his extensive field experience into stronger police operations, faster response to crime and security threats, and closer coordination with communities and local government units.
PRO1 personnel have welcomed Tolentino and pledged support for his leadership, particularly in strengthening professionalism, public safety and public trust.
For the new regional director, the Ilocos command is his biggest assignment yet — and a fresh test for a commander shaped by years of frontline police work. (Freddie G. Lazaro)