The newly appointed director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7), Police Brigadier General Redrico Atienza Maranan, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Gwen Garcia on January 15, his first visit at the Capitol, to discuss local security and other matters in the province.
The visit marked an important step in the administration of PRO 7, which has jurisdiction over the national police in the island provinces of Cebu and Bohol.
Maranan was joined in his visit by Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome Jr., deputy regional director for administration of PRO 7; Col. Antonietto Cañete, OIC Chief of the Directorial Staff at PRO 7; and Col. Jovito Atanacio, chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office.
“Welcome to the fastest-growing region of the country today. Welcome to Cebu, the number one province in the Philippines,” Gov. Gwen told Maranan during the meeting.
His appointment follows the recent transfer of former PRO 7 chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, who now leads the National Capital Region Police Office.
Maranan, a seasoned officer from the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1995, was officially appointed to the role on January 9 by Police Major General Edgar Okubo, the acting chief of Directorial Staff at Camp Crame. He previously served as the spokesperson for Camp Crame and as the director of PRO-3 (Central Luzon).
During the meeting, Maranan assured Gov. Gwen that the issues related to land disputes between the PRO 7 and the Capitol, particularly the PC Hills lot in Barangay Lahug in Cebu City, would be resolved.
The Capitol under Gov. Gwen had successfully recovered properties previously donated to the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Highway Patrol Group after some stipulations in the deed of donation were not met.
As a gesture of goodwill, respect, and cooperation, Maranan presented Governor Garcia with a symbolic gift — a bouquet of white Phalaenopsis orchids, her favorite flower.
The Governor and the newly PRO-7 chief also discussed strengthening ties between the local government and the police force to improve public safety and community relations. With a shared commitment to ensuring the well-being of the people of Central Visayas, both leaders expressed optimism about future collaboration between their offices.
“Rest assured, Gov, that I will support you in your programs in the Province of Cebu,” Maranan told Governor Gwen. | JMT