Ilocos Norte: Colonel Orly Pagaduan took over the reins of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) in a formal turnover ceremony held at Camp Capt. Valentin S. Juan this city on Monday. Pagaduan replaced outgoing director Col. Frederick Obar, who is due for promotion and will be assigned to the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1).

According to Philippines News Agency, Pagaduan hails from La Union and has been the chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division of the Philippine National Police before his reassignment. A graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), he also served as chief of police in San Fernando City, La Union. Pagaduan's installation was presided over by Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista, the incumbent PRO-1 director.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, in a short message during the turnover ceremony, said the province is blessed and fortunate to be one of the most peaceful provinces in the country, and he hopes that this will be sustained with the incoming police director. 'I'm confident, today marks the start of a new era in INPPO and to our beloved province of Ilocos Norte,' Manotoc said, adding that members of the PNP must be welcomed and be seen as partners and not be feared by the community.

He expressed gratitude to Obar for his 'dignified leadership' at the INPPO. As a token of gratitude, Evangelista awarded Obar with a Medal of Efficiency for his outstanding implementation of peacekeeping during his watch.

In his inaugural speech, Pagaduan vowed to continue the legacy of his predecessors and maintain the province in its peaceful and orderly state. 'I pledge to work closely with all of you, the community, and all other stakeholders, for the achievement of shared goals. I will re-advocate for the professional development, support well-being, and encourage open communication while responding to the evolving needs of the community,' Pagaduan said.