Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 director Chief. Supt. Noli Taliño led the inauguration of the new P4.8-million police station in Cortes on Wednesday morning.

Taliño was joined by other officials of the Central Visayas police command during the ceremony in the three-story building located at a 400-sqm lot donated by the local government unit of Cortes.

In his speech, Taliño told Cortes police personnel led by SPO4 Josue Lungog to use the opening of the new office as avenue to reaffirm commitment in providing quality service to the town’s residents.

The PRO-7 officials who were also in Bohol to discuss the relaunch of “Oplan Tokhang” were welcomed by Cortes Mayor Iven Lim.

Lim said that the new police station is the first government establishment to be built after the 7.2-magnitude earthquake jolted Bohol in 2013.

The Mayor also expressed his support for the Cortes police particularly in its anti-drug drive and peace and order campaigns which he said would draw more investors to the town.

Construction of the police building which was implemented by the PRO-7 through the General Appropriations Act last year was completed in five months.

According to Lungog, the town’s police personnel are expected to start occupying the new building next month as equipment and furniture are being prepared.

The inauguration was also joined by Fr. Roderick Pizarras; Sr. Supt. Clarito Baja, PRO-7 Community Relations Division chief; Supt. Pedrillo Villamor Jr, Logistics and Research Development Division 7 deputy chief; members of the Sangguniang Bayan; and staff of the regional and provincial police command. (Rey Tutas)