COTABATO CITY — Col. Joel Estaris assumed the role of acting provincial director of the Maguindanao del Norte Police Office on Wednesday, replacing Col. Sultan Salman Sapal who has been reassigned to the regional police headquarters.

The turnover ceremony took place at the old provincial capitol in Barangay Crossing Simuay. Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz presided over the event.

Prior to his new appointment, Estaris served as the chief of the Regional Headquarters Support Division in Camp S.K. Pendatun and briefly held the position of Cotabato City police director.

Macapaz commended Sapal for his contributions to the province and urged Estaris to inspire his personnel to foster peace and progress in the region.

“Let us continue working towards a peaceful and progressive Bangsamoro community,” Macapaz said, stressing the PRO-BAR’s commitment to regional peace and development.

He also expressed gratitude to Governor Abdulraof Macacua for his support in the police’s efforts to combat crime, terrorism and illegal drugs.

Estaris encouraged police officers to serve as peacebuilders while fulfilling their law enforcement duties.