By Eman D. Pangcatan
MSU Intern
IN a ceremony marked by tradition and transition, Police Brigadier General Rolindo M. Suguilon formally assumed command of Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10) on Friday, June 20, pledging to uphold strong, community-centered leadership as he succeeds Police Lieutenant General Edgar Alan O. Okubo at Camp 1Lt. Vicente G. Alagar in Lapasan.
The change of command ceremony, held at 1 pm at the camp’s covered court, was attended by top police officials, local government dignitaries, and civic leaders from across Northern Mindanao. The symbolic turnover included the handing over of the office symbol, the ceremonial baton, and the Property and Equipment Inventory book.
Also present were Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 1st District Representative Atty. Lordan Gualberto Suan, joined regional police personnel in witnessing the official transition.
Deputy Regional Director for Administration PBGEN Joselito L. Clarito opened the program with a call to principled leadership, quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy: “For courage — not complacency — is our need today. Leadership — not salesmanship. And the only valid test of leadership is the ability to lead, and lead vigorously.”
Okubo, who is set to take on a new assignment at the Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, was lauded for his tenure. His leadership emphasized community-based policing, crime reduction, and inter-agency collaboration, resulting in stronger public trust and lower crime statistics in the region.
“Your dedication has laid a strong foundation for peace and order in Northern Mindanao,” Okubo said in his farewell address, as he formally welcomed Suguilon and expressed full confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain the region’s momentum.
In his first address as regional director, Suguilon committed to building on the legacy of his predecessor while expanding efforts to engage and empower the community.
“I intend to strengthen what has been begun. We will work closely with barangay leaders, business owners, youth representatives, and religious groups to foster a safer, more resilient Cagayan de Oro,” Suguilon said.
Under his leadership, PRO-10 is expected to focus on drug eradication, cybercrime prevention, and disaster-response readiness. Suguilon also highlighted the expansion of grassroots initiatives such as youth mentorship and neighborhood watch programs.
“As our city grows and evolves, so must our capacity to safeguard it. Together with our stakeholders, PRO-10 stands ready to answer tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.
The ceremony reinforced the Philippine National Police’s commitment to continuous, values-driven leadership, with both outgoing and incoming commanders underscoring the role of public trust in securing lasting peace and order in the region.
