BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Sitting Mayor Albee Benitez wants a homegrown police officer to be the next city director as Colonel Thomas Joseph Martir bows out of the service this year.
It remains unclear, however, who will replace Martir from among the initial list of five commissioned officers from whom Benitez can select Martir’s replacement.
Martir, who took over in acting capacity from Colonel Manuel Placido in October 2021, and was confirmed as city director late December 2021 is on his way to a second year but will reach the mandatory retirement age.
Benitez had said he prefers a Bacolod native to replace Martir as a homegrown police chief is expected to be more familiar with the community that can help in improving police work.
Meanwhile, Benitez said the local government plans to install 430 closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in critical areas of the city as part of efforts to reduce crime.
These “critical areas” are roads where crimes commonly occur or those that have less people and vehicular traffic.
