PALO, Leyte — Amid increasing number of unsolved killings in Leyte's third district and in Samar's first district as the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections draw nearer, the Philippine National Police assigned a new regional director in Eastern Visayas.

Police BGen. Reynaldo Pawid took over the leadership of Police Regional Office 8 from outgoing regional director PBGen. Vincent Calanoga during a Turnover of Command Ceremony on Thursday.

Police Lt. Gen. Patrick Villacorte, PNP area police commander for the Visayas, led the transfer of responsibility through a symbolic bestowal of Office Symbol, Property and Equipment Inventory Book, signifying a smooth transition in organizational leadership.

Pawid served as the PNP Senior Police Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government prior to his transfer to Eastern Visayas. He is an alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy "Sandigan" Class of 1994.

In his message, Pawid vowed to continue the legacy and uphold the values and principles of the PNP and stressed that under his leadership, the PRO-8 will intensify its crime prevention, crime solution, and public safety operational strategies, giving emphasis on the five-focused agenda of the PNP chief.

He added that he will also implement a disciplinary mechanism among the personnel who may have breached discipline or committed irregularities will be strictly implemented.

"PRO-8 will pursue law enforcement operations with vigor and honesty, upholding the integrity and the virtues of an incorruptible police officer," said Pawid, as he encouraged constant and open community engagement as the foundation of effective law enforcement since the maintenance of peace and order is a shared responsibility between the law enforcement sector and the community.

Pawid also urged the police force to press more efforts in implementing Election Security Plans in coordination with partner agencies by exhausting all available resources to ensure a safe, secure, and fair Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.

"We have the power to influence those around us including the community. We all have a role in pushing PRO-8 to greater heights. Let us commit ourselves to working together to create a better future for the PNP and the community we serve," Pawid said.

Calanoga, meantime, expressed his gratitude to the men and women of PRO-8 for supporting him during his stint as regional director. He also acknowledged the participation of the stakeholders and partner agencies in community policing.