ILOILO City – Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan is the new Western Visayas police director. A turnover ceremony will be held this afternoon in Camp Delgado, the headquarters of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Pamuspusan, chief of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Headquarters Support Service, is succeeding classmate Brigadier General John Bulalacao who is retiring today from the police service.
Both Pamuspusan and Bulalacao belonged to Maringal Class 1988 of the Philippine Military Academy.
PRO-6 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong announced Pamuspusan’s appointment early last night.
Bulalacao disclosed early this week that four PNP officials were being considered as his successor. They were Pamuspusan, Police Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina (PNP deputy director for Intelligence), Police Brigadier General Filmore Escobal (chief, PNP Police Security and Protection Group), and Police Brigadier General Joyet Esquivel (director, Quezon City Police District).
Esquivel and Divina were Bulalacao’s classmates, too, while Escobal belonged to PMA Class 1991.
“Kaya nilang tapatan ang aking accomplishments and higitan pa,” said Bulalacao.
In August 2017, Pamuspusan was cited as Best Senior Police Commissioned Officer for Operation. He was then the executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Operations.
Bulalacao would be turning over to Pamuspusan a “most peaceful” Western Visayas.
“I will relinquish my position with pride because my mission is accomplished,” he said.
Prior to his Western Visayas assignment, Bulalacao was the PNP spokesperson.
He had served, too, as deputy director of the PNP’s Logistics Support Service and Chief of Staff of the Civil Security Group, assistant chief of the Firearms and Explosives Office, and police provincial director of Cavite.
In Region 6, Bulalacao imposed organizational discipline and internal cleansing. He stressed the importance of the PRO-6 maintaining the public’s trust and confidence.
His other thrusts were the campaigns against illegal drugs and crimes and curbing if not totally stopping the involvement of policemen in illegal activities such as drug pushing or using.
The exiting Region 6 police director said he looked forward to spending more time with his family.
“Matagal na hindi ko nakasama ang aking pamilya dahil sa trabaho. So this time ibibigay ko time ko sa pamilya,” said Bulalacao.
He won’t accept any position in government should there be offers.
Region 6 is the only assignment of Bulalacao outside Luzon.
“I will leave the region happy. My assignment here gave me the opportunity to experience the generosity and kindness of the Ilonggos and Negrenses,” he said./PN
