Bohol gets anti-organized crime czar as new director

Rey Anthony Chiu

BOHOL, August 19, 2013 (PIA) –Bohol witnessed the change of commands for the local police as out-going provincial director PSSupt Constantino Barot handed the flag and ceremonial police logs to PSSupt. Dennis Agustin Wednesday, August 14. 

While Bohol loses an officer which local officials rate as superb anti-crime performance, the incoming officer could bring in a new crime busting strategy, courtesy of a decorated stint as anti-organized crime buster. 

Barot completed his Bohol tour of duty a month short of his third year of service to the Boholanos, a rare feat for police officers who are mandated to do at least two years of service before another organizational assignment.

Barot took the top Bohol police spot last September 8, 2010, from PSSupt. Rodolfo llorca, and would have completed his third year next month. 

The unusual extended service Barot rendered for Bohol was accordingly because local officials and the Provincial Peace and Order Council resolved to request the PNP to have more of Barot’s leadership especially with Christmas in 2012 and an upcoming elections in 2013. 

Newly installed Police Regional Director Danilo Constantino, Cebu Regional Police Officers and chief of police of Bohol town stations personally attended and witnessed the turn-over of command, at the Camp Dagohoy Parade grounds on a rainy Wednesday. 

Governor Edgar Chatto, who spoke highly of the bowing out official cited Barot for effectively steering the police organization in Bohol to be good partners with the civilian authority.

Speaking while heaping praises to Barot, Chatto said he is recommending Barot’s good use to PNP authorities. 

To PSSupt Agustin, Chatto promised full support from the local Administration, even as he asked the incoming officer to let Bohol’s march to progress continue. 

PSsupt Agustin was among the officers which had the Presidential promotion to senior officers in March of this year. 

Agustin used to head the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division of PNP-CIDG in 2010, with sterling performance.

Then he was assigned to various posts before coming back to Manila as among those who were promoted and assigned at the PNPO Headquarters support services. 

As the new leadership begins its work, he won’t start from square one, the governor said. He will have our help, and we look forward to working with the new officer, Chatto said.