Camarines Sur has new police director

NAGA CITY (May 26 2012) - Camarines Sur has a new officer in charge at the Provincial Police office in replacement of Senior Supt. Procopio G. Lipana who was at the helm of the Philippine National Police (PNP) office of the province for 11 months.

In an ceremony presided by Police Bicol Director, Chief Supt. Arne M. Delos Santos, Lipana turned over his command to the new director, Police Senior Supt. Ramon S. Ranara.

Lipana, who is credited for major infrastructure facelifts and repairs of the provincial police headquarters located in barangay Concepcion Grande in this city, said before the turn-over ceremonies that the incoming provincial chief shall be the one to see the transfer of the Police Provincial Office (PPO) to a 1.9-hectare site that was recently donated by Baao Mayor Melquiades “Mel” Gaite.

Lipana also said that the present site of the PPO shall be the new headquarter of the Naga City Police Office whose office at Barlin St. in downtown Naga City is now deemed too small.

PNP Bicol director Delos Santos said the transfer of the PPO to Baao is necessary because Naga City, which is a chartered city independent of the province, has hosted the provincial command for the past 40 years, whereas Baao is well within the jurisdiction of the provincial police.

During the turn-over, Ranara was directed to continue the major PNP Programs, including the anti-Criminality drives that resulted in the arrest of most wanted persons and the enhanced police visibility down to the barangay level. Ranara shall also ensure the security of the June 16 Special election in barangay Butuanan in Siruma town, which many expect to be a major police concern.

Lipana was awarded the “Medalya ng Kasanayan” for the sterling management and the significant infra-facelift of the PPO during his term at he Provincial Police Office. (SONNY SALES)