History of Police Regional Office 7

The Philippine Constabulary was organized by the Americans on 08 August 1901 and was made an instrument in the maintenance of peace and order in the country during their occupation. The organization was manned and controlled by the American Officers from the day of its birth up to 09 April 1942 when General Edward King Jr., the Commanding General of the American Forces in Southern Luzon, negotiated for their surrender to the Japanese Imperial Army. After the outbreak of World War II, the Armed Forces of the Philippines underwent re-organization, its planner still consider the Constabulary for the organization, however, to a smaller unit. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 51 issued by then President Sergio Osmeña Sr., the Military Police Command (MPC) was established and made an arm of the Philippine Army tasked to quell chaos and maintain peace and order.

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines grew and developed, the area of responsibility was divided into Military Zones. In 1946, the Military Area Commands were created, the III Military Area was stationed at Camp Lapulapu, Lahug, Cebu City. Meanwhile, the Military Police Command (MPC) functioned as the Provost Marshall for the III Military Area from 1946 to 1947.
In the early years of independence, the country experienced internal conflict. The Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon (Hukbalahap), an armed group organized during the Japanese occupation, was disillusioned and planned to overthrow the constituted government. The Army was tasked to go after the dissidents while law enforcement was instructed to the local police. Concerned over the growing criminality in the country, the national leadership reactivated the Constabulary. On 05 April 1950, the Philippine Constabulary was turned into a major command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Military Police Command (MPC) was abolished, although it became an independent organization of the AFP vested with administrative powers. The new organization was under the operational control of the Commanding General of the Armed Forces from 1950 to 1955 pursuant to Administrative Order No. 127 dated 28 July 1950.

The III Philippine Constabulary Zone was then established and stationed at Camp Lapulapu, Lahug, Cebu City located with the III Military Area, having separate offices and functions. The following were the pioneering commanders of the III Military Area.

It was only on 08 August 1955 that the administrative and operational control of the organization was relegated to the Chief of Constabulary, pursuant to General Order No. 442, GHQ AFP, dated 11 August 1955. The III Military Area was then headed for the second time by BGen Cornello Bondad, and was assisted by the Deputy Area Commander for the Philippine Constabulary. During the period, the III PC Zone was still in Camp Lapulapu while the Cebu Philippine Constabulary Command was in Jones Avenue, Cebu City, where the Philippine National Police Regional Command 7 now stands. Out of sheer misfortune, the Cebu Philippine Constabulary Command Headquarters was burned down. Almost all the houses on the adjacent blocks were also razed. A new headquarters was inaugurated on 21 June 1956 where a two-storey building was built with a chapel and Post Exchange.

On 01 September 1958, a day to remember, the III Philippine Constabulary Zone Headquarters was transferred to Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., Jones Avenue, Cebu City, occupying the second floor of the building. The following were the Zone Commanders during the period:

Massive development of the command was noted during the incumbency of BGen Vicente Raval. The Post Chapel was renovated to accommodate more churchgoers; another chapel was erected at Babag Hills in commemoration of the World War II heroes; construction of officers’ apartment in Jones Avenue besides the Zone Headquarters, aside from the ten (10) Bachelor Officers Quarters for transient officers; construction of apartments that house 37 families for enlisted personnel; and an officers’ quarters at the Lahug Military Reservation. The general also approved and allowed the enlisted personnel to build houses at the reservation.
On 18 February 1968, for the second time, Camp Sergio Osmeña, Sr. burned to the ground, except for the Chapel and two (2) officers’ quarters. Again, General Raval facilitated its reconstruction but was unable to finish the project since he was appointed as the Chief of the Philippine Constabulary. The III PC Zone was left to the stewardship of the following officers:

After the 1969 elections, public demonstrations and other forms of activism were encountered by the government. In the early months of 1972, leftist activities reached its peak, endangering national security. President Ferdinand E. Marcos then declared martial law on 21 September 1972. The tremendous task to restore order was given to the Philippine Constabulary. The following were the Zone Commanders during the period:

Through the years, the manager of the organization improved as reorganization was effected with the changing demands of the Marcos’ New Society. On 01 July 1978, the Regional Command concept was implemented. BGen Emilio Narcise became the first Regional Commander of the PC/INP Regional Command 7. He was succeeded by the following Constabulary officers:

The 1986 People Power Revolution ended the Marcos regime in the country and a new order under President Corazon C. Aquino took hold of the reins of government. The laws of the land prevailed. The 1987 Constitution provided for the establishment of “a police force that is national in scope and civilian in character.” On 13 December 1990, the President signed into law Republic Act No. 6975 creating the Philippine National Police. The PC/INP Regional Commands were abolished, and the Philippine National Police Regional Commands were established. The following officers headed the PNP Regional Command 7:

On the last quarter of 1996, PNP Regional Command 7 changed its name to Police Regional Office 7. The corresponding designation of Regional Commander was also changed to Regional Director. The following officers headed the now Police Regional Office 7:

Since 1st of June 2018, Police Regional Office 7 is under the able leadership of PCSUPT DEBOLD MENORIAS SINAS , of PMA Class 1987.