LEGAZPI CITY – Supt. Edgardo Ardales assume his new post as chief of police of this city during turnover ceremony held last Dec. 2 at the Legazpi City Police Station in Brgy. Bitano.

        Ardales, former operation and public information officer of the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, took over the position from Chief Insp. Rolando Esguerra who will be retiring from the service on Dec. 5, 2008.

        City Mayor Noel E. Rosal was the guest of honor and speaker while S/Supt. Joel Baloro, Albay PPO chief, was the installing officer.

        Among the guests who attended the turnover rite were Director Pedro Maganon of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), city government officials and Col. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army.

        In his valedictory address, Esguerra thanked mayor Rosal for designating officer-in-charge of the Legaspi City police although he was only a police major while the position calls for the rank of superintend or lieutenant colonel.

        “I consider my stint as OIC chief of police from February to Dec. 2 2008 as the best chapter of my life.” Esguerra said.

        The new police chief hails from Castilla, Sorsogon but he traces his roots from Cawayan, Manito and San Francisco, Legazpi City.

        A graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class 1990, Ardales, held various key positions in the police service in the provinces of Sorsogon and Masbate.

        In his message to the police, Ardales said he was counting on the support and cooperation not only the officers and men and women of his command but also the cooperation of the community.

        I also urge the officers and men of this police station to help me pursue the programs started by my predecessor, Chief Insp. Esguerra, “ the new COP maid.

        Mayor Rosal emphasized the need for police visibility as a deterrent to the commission of crimes. He said that Legazpi City is a growing city that’s why the police should not compromise the safety of the people.

        Rosal disclosed that two police cars are due to arrive soon to beef up the mobility of the Legaspi City Police station.

        “ I urge the new chief of police to continue the programs started by Chief Insp. Esguerra to keep Legapi City a safe place to live in.

        S/Supt. Baloro reminded the police that their three basic functions are: 1) to patrol the streets for visibility; 2) to conduct traffic for orderliness and 3) to investigate crimes to give justice where justice is due.