COLONEL Benedicto Faco, the outgoing provincial director of the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office (DOPPO), reflected on his impactful tenure during a turnover ceremony on Wednesday, June 26.
The ceremony, presided over by Police Regional Office XI director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre, marked the transition of leadership to Col. Antonio Alberio Jr.
In his farewell message, Col. Faco thanked the people of Davao de Oro and highlighted the numerous challenges and accomplishments that defined his 20-month term.
He emphasized the unwavering dedication of DOPPO personnel, which led to the province’s recognition as the Best Provincial Police Office in 2022 and its consistent ranking as the Most Respected and Trusted Police force in the region by the Mindanao Development Authority.
Faco also acknowledged the exceptional work of the policewomen in the province, who received awards for their contributions to family, juvenile, gender, and development issues, as well as women’s and children’s protection.
Throughout his tenure, Col. Faco prioritized collaborative efforts to address crises, particularly during natural disasters like the Masara landslide and the Shearline devastation. He praised the unified response of various agencies and stakeholders in overcoming these challenges.
During his two years and 17 days as provincial director, Faco led the DOPPO in conducting 1,243 operations, significantly impacting the fight against illegal drugs, loose firearms, gambling, and logging. The arrest of a local elected official in New Bataan for drug-related offenses was among the notable achievements under his leadership.
Faco’s commitment to transparency and community engagement was evident in the launch of two radio programs, “Bulawanong Serbisyo Gikan sa Pulis Davao de Oro” and “Balaodnong Hisgutanan Kauban ang Kapulisan,” which aimed to inform and involve the public in policy initiatives.
As he passed the torch to his successor, Col. Faco urged the continued dedication of the police force and emphasized the importance of sustained collaborative action to bring about positive change in the province.
“Our commitment should not be limited to singular efforts,” Faco emphasized. “We must ensure that our collective determination is backed by concrete actions to create a tangible impact and uplift the lives of those in need,” he further said.