The new Catanduanes police director, PCol. Elmer R. Cereno, last week expressed the commitment of the police force to being visible, dependable, and responsive to the people of Catanduanes.
“We are your public servants,” the native of Baguio City said in his message during his assumption last Saturday, July 5, 2025, “and we will earn your trust daily through actions defined by integrity, professionalism, and compassion.”
A former spokesperson of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group and a member of a Masonic Lodge, Cereno took over from former PD PCol. Edward D. Quijano who led the Catanduanes police for just 10 months.
The new PD thanked Gov. Patrick Alain T. Azanza for giving him the trust and confidence. A source told the Tribune that prior to running for governor, Azanza had been lobbying with then Gov. Joseph C. Cua to have Cereno designated as the island’s top cop.
Also present during the ceremony at Camp Francisco Camacho were PNP Bicol Regional Director BGen. Andre P. Dizon, Cong. Eulogio R. Rodriguez, members of the PNP regional staff, the officers and men of the local police, and members of the local police advisory group.
Acknowledging the warm reception accorded him, Col. Cereno said the assignment is not merely another posting but the beginning and the peak of his career in uniform.
“After decades of service—across operations, investigation, intelligence, field commands, and community engagement—this will stand as the most challenging designation in the PNP, and I intend to make it the most meaningful,” he said.
He assured the men and women of Catanduanes Police Provincial Office that he will not command from above, but to lead with them.
“Together, we will polish our operational readiness, reinforce discipline, and deepen our commitment with the communities we serve,” the director declared, even as he assured local government partners, barangay leaders, and civil society allies that the local police would strengthen coordination across municipalities and barangays, ensuring a more secure and resilient province.
“My commitment is to leave this post stronger, safer, and more united for that will be the legacy I will leave behind. let us proceed with one heart, one purpose, and one mission,” Col. Cereno stressed, reciting his initials as his motto: Enforce the law and ensure public safety, Respond swiftly to emergencies, and Commitment to integrity, service and community.
Before relinquishing command of the Catanduanes police, Col. Quijano thanked police personnel, LGU partners, advocacy groups, key stakeholders and the people for collaborating with the police for real community building.
“In my tenure, we launched initiatives not just to protect, but to connect; a programs like intensified police-community engagement, youth empowerment drives, women and children protection campaigns, and relentless anti-crime operations that prioritized both effectiveness and empathy,” he said.
He expressed hope that the legacies his command had planted of proactive service, transparency, accountability, and human dignity, will be nurtured, sustained, and grown in the years ahead.
Earlier that morning, PD Quijano led the launching of the CATPPO Community Engagement Projects: Project “Kape asin Patara-Tara Timpla para sa Masa”; Project TODA MAKS (Tapat at Organisadong Driver Ating Maaasahan at Aktibong Lalahok sa EKStrang Gawain sa Pamayanan); Project KASALI Ka (KArahasang Sekswal Ating Labanan, Isumbong sa Kapulisan); Project PSB (Pagkakaisa para sa Seguridad ng Barangay); Project Revitalized Ronda sa Barangay; Project Bantay-Laot Sama-samang Pagbantay, Illegal na Pangingisda ay Wakasan; and Project CAT-Saysayan (1st Tourist Friendly PPO in the Bicol Region.