By Xander Ledesma
To enhance the efficiency of police investigations and ensure prompt resolutions to criminal cases, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) has reaffirmed its dedication to developing the capabilities of its investigators. A major milestone in this ongoing effort was the successful completion of the Criminal Investigation Course (CIC) Class 1103-2024/02-021-R7-2024-060, which took place at the International Pharmaceutical Incorporated in Mandaue City on November 26, 2024.
The closing ceremony was presided over by PBGEN Roy B. Parena, Officer-in-Charge of PRO7, who stressed the necessity of equipping police officers with essential skills to tackle the changing landscape of criminal cases. He underscored that targeted training is crucial for ensuring that investigators remain skilled and effective amidst contemporary criminal challenges.
This course, aimed at honing the investigative abilities of PRO7 personnel, encompassed a diverse array of subjects, including evidence management, crime scene evaluation, interviewing strategies, and forensic examination. It was a collaborative project involving leading facilitators and specialists in criminal investigation to guarantee that participants received top-notch practical and theoretical instruction.
Notable attendees at the closing event included PCOL Ireneo Dalogdog, Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, PCOL Maribel Getigan, Chief of the Regional Learning and Development Division, along with other esteemed officers such as PCOL Julius Sagandoy, City Director of the Mandaue City Police Office, and PLTCOL Erwin Fabroquez, Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Special Training Unit 7. Their presence highlighted the regional leadership’s commitment to backing this significant initiative.
This training initiative is part of PRO7’s overarching objective to enhance crime-solving efficiency throughout the Central Visayas region. With a specific emphasis on tackling challenges posed by drug-related crimes, violent offenses, and organized crime groups, the upgraded skills of the investigators are anticipated to substantially improve public safety in the area.
The historical backdrop illustrates the need for such training initiatives, as the Philippines has faced numerous challenges that test law enforcement, including increasing drug-related criminal activity and complex organized crime. According to national crime data, the nation has made considerable strides in addressing crime rates, yet there remains a pressing need for specialized investigative abilities to keep up with increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics.
In recent times, there has been a nationwide drive to bolster the skills of police officers through extensive training programs and modernization efforts, with the aim of enhancing the professionalism and effectiveness of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The execution of these programs is viewed as a response to the rising demands of contemporary policing, where technology, evolving criminal strategies, and public expectations necessitate a highly trained and capable police force.
As PRO7 continues to prioritize the development of its personnel’s competencies, local officials are hopeful that these endeavors will positively influence crime resolution rates in the region. The achievements of Class 1103-2024 are expected to motivate additional initiatives designed to equip law enforcement officers with the essential skills needed to effectively combat crime and protect communities across Central Visayas.