CAMP OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union—The Deputy Chief of the Philippine National Police asked the entire police force of Ilocos and Central Luzon on Thursday to restore the image of the police by being model enforcers and brave in their actions.

“Restore our moral authority, lead by example and make clear that hard challenges will not frighten us but call us to action,” PNP Deputy Director General Jesus Versoza urged the policemen .

Versoza presided at the turn over of the “transformation torch” from Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 to PR) 1 here on Thursday,

The torch is symbolic of the ongoing transformation program of the PNP which aims to “resolve organizational dysfunctions” and “improve the quality of police services, strengthen law enforcement capabilities, and to enhance the welfare and benefits of policemen and their dependents.”

“We should make each policeman a true model of a physically, mentally, morally and spiritually fit public servant. Our moment is now. Now is our chance to turn the page, to write a new chapter,” he said.

Versoza received the torch from PRO 3 Director Chief Superintendent Errol Pan who also turned it over to PRO 1 Director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil.

Bataoil will pass on the torch to the Cordillera police after three weeks to continue with the relay.

In his response, Bataoil said he will see to it that the advocacy on transformation program will reach every policeman in Region 1 even in remotest areas.

“We will assess our advocacy if it has reached our policemen all the way to the remotest place of our area of responsibility,” he added.

The transformation program started on October 1 ever since PNP Chief Director General Avelino Razon assumed the helm of the police hierarchy.

Also present during the activity are Fr. German Cabillo, former San Fernando Mayor Mary Jane Ortega, Chief Superintendent Silverio Alarcio, other senior police officers from PRO 1 and PRO 3 and others. (PNA)