NEW POLICE CHIEF ARRIVING OCT 20

THE upgraded status of the Dagupan City Police force is now in effect, according to Mayor Belen Fernandez, ahead of the initial planned implementation next year.

In her TV program “Bantay Dagupan Sumbungan ng  Bayan” on October 15, Fernandez said Colonel Orly Pagaduan, the designated officer-in-charge of the Dagupan City Police Office, is set to arrive on October 20 to assume his post.

What used to be a Component City Police Station, Dagupan will now have a Type C City Police Office following a resolution of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM).

Pagaduan will replace Lt. Colonel Lawrence Keith Calub, who is not yet qualified to head the upgraded city police office, whose head must be a colonel of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Fernandez said she just had a meeting with PNP Regional Director Brigadier General Dindo Reyes, and Police Provincial Director Arbel Mercullo, who confirmed that NAPOLCOM Resolution No. 2025-0545 is in effect.

With the upgrade, Dagupan will have 500 to 700 policemen, up from the current 153.

Fernandez said that when Pagaduan reports for work on October 20, he will already bring with him at least 50 of these additional police officers.

As a City Police Office, it will also be entitled to one City Mobile Force, composed of SWAT and AOD, and will have its own K-9 unit.

Fernandez said in addition to the present police station in Poblacion Oeste, others will be set up in the following areas: Caranglaan, one of the Bonuan barangays, Bolosan, Lucao, Calmay, and Malued. (Leonardo Micua)