A KNOWN nemesis of kidnappers in the country, Brigadier General Rudolph B. Dimas on Sunday officially took over as new Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) director in Bicol with a commitment to enhancing police-community partnership in addressing criminality, drugs, insurgency, and corruption in the region thru his “ROD” program.

“Let me sum up my plans for PRO5. ‘R-readiness in all aspects of policing. O-opportunity for everyone to shine. D-discipline. Madaling matandaan. ROD,’” said the member of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Class of 1992 who led the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) in successfully fighting kidnapping-for-ransom gangs and going after most wanted criminals in the country for 16 months.

Last week, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. named Dimas as the new PRO5 director, vice Brig. Gen. Mario A. Reyes of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Tanglaw Diwa” Class of 1992 who is now the new PNP Director for Police-Community Relations, a position that will earn him his 2nd-star.

Azurin designated Col. Rodolfo D. Castil Jr. of PNPA Class of 1993 as the new PNP-AKG director, a post that will earn the latter his star-rank.

Dimas is no stranger to Bicol since he used to be a Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (PPO) director in 2017. He was installed as the new PRO5 director by Area Police Command-Southern Luzon commander, Major Gen. Rhoderick C. Armamento, in the presence of PRO5 officers and men, his wife Maria Christine, and children Timothy John and Cheyenne.

“It is with great humility and pride that I accept this responsibility of being the ‘Father’ to the men and women of Police Regional Office 5. I know the quality of the name Kasurog Cops because I had once led Kasurog Cops before when I was the Camarines Norte police director,” he said.

Dimas vowed to anchor his leadership in the “MKK = K” framework of Azurin. It is short for “Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan equals Kaunlaran”.

“Under my watch, readiness in all aspects of policing is a must to support the PNP chief’s programs,” he declared.

The new Bicol Police director called on his men to practice the “Client-centered police” simply because the community is the reason for their being.

“Treat them well, give them a sense of security that they so deserve. Treat them with respect,” he said.

Dimas said that under him, the Bicol police force will be guided by the QUAD Concept, as simply put by the PNP chief.

“Our jobs as law enforcers are to: prevent crime (Operations); pre-empt crime (Intelligence); solve crime (Investigation); and organize and mobilize the community (Police-Community Relations),” he said.

“Policing is not just a job – it is a vocation that requires utmost dedication, commitment, and discipline to do what must be done in the right way at the right time. I will need everybody’s support and cooperation if we hope to succeed in our endeavors. It is my hope thus that we can work together and do our very best to deliver quality police services to the community,” he added.

The PRO5 director said he wants to maximize the deployment of police personnel in the region. “Let this be part of our crime prevention and peacekeeping measures. Besides, patrol operations are considered the backbone of policing. We should do this properly in order for us to deny opportunities in the commission of crimes and reduce the risk of citizens becoming victims of these unscrupulous individuals,” he underscored.

Dimas maintained that his principle in life is simple: to be of service to my country and people without counting the cost. “I have lived with this principle all my life, and the people I have worked with in the past can attest to it,” he said.

“My leadership is always anchored on putting God first. We must accept that as human beings. We have limitations but let it not be an excuse for committing misdemeanors every now and then. Anyone can make mistakes, but one must be accountable for his own action,” he declared.

The official also vowed to fully implement a “reward and punishment” program in the Bicol police force where deserving personnel will be greatly rewarded while the erring ones will be punished.

He also said that he will not look at the source of commission of PRO5 officers who will be placed in key positions.

“I will look into your service reputation and performance evaluation because I believe that every snappy and disciplined officer has an equal opportunity. Your morale and welfare are important to me, but you should also have a sense of responsibility and accountability. Walang palakasan, trabaho lang,” he said.

To his officials, Dimas stressed the importance of discipline in all aspects of police work. “I urge all of you to ensure the highest form of discipline for yourselves and for your men. I am a good brother, but if you disobey this very important message from me, may kalalagyan ka. I will be strict but fair,” he said as he called on his officials to underscore their disciplinary authority over their men.

To the people of Bicolandia, Brig. Gen. Dimas has this to say. “I implore your help. I call on all our civic and religious leaders, even every ordinary Bicolano to help us serve you well. Magtulungan po tayong lahat upang mas maayos nag magampanan ang ating mga tungkulin at paglingkuran nang buong husay at galing ang ating mga kababayan,” he said.