PLTCOL Edward T. Agpalza Assumes Post as Manolo Fortich Police Chief

Description: New OIC pledges stronger partnership with LGU and community in maintaining peace and security

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — Police Lieutenant Colonel Edward T. Agpalza officially assumed office as the new Officer-in-Charge of the Manolo Fortich Municipal Police Station during the Assumption of Office Ceremony held on September 23, 2026, at Bahay Tulugan, Barangay Tankulan.

The ceremony was attended by Hon. Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño and Police Colonel Oliver S. Navales, Provincial Director of the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office. Also present were Sangguniang Bayan Members Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay, Councilor Joy Lavisores-Cordovez, and Councilor Raquel Abales-Bayacag; MLGOO Christie C. Cubero; and the Punong Barangays of Manolo Fortich.

PLTCOL Agpalza succeeds PLTCOL Rogie C. Ortencio, who is currently pursuing further studies at Camp Crame.

A Homecoming to Manolo Fortich

His return to Manolo Fortich marks a homecoming, having previously served as Deputy Chief of Police of the municipality in 2016. Prior to his current assignment, he served as Deputy Provincial Director for Administration of the Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office.

During the ceremony, PCOL Navales formally turned over the symbol of office and the property and equipment inventory book to PLTCOL Agpalza, signifying the formal transition of leadership at the municipal police station.

New Police Chief Pledges Integrity and Partnership

In his message, PLTCOL Agpalza expressed gratitude for the opportunity to return to Manolo Fortich and pledged stronger collaboration with the LGU and the community.

“I look forward for a strong partnership with you and to the rest of the LGU family. To my men in Manolo Fortich, kabalo namo unsa kabug-aton sa trabaho sa police, so let's do our part. Let us perform and as I have said. let us work with integrity, dedication and accountability as police officers. salamat sa opportunity,” stated PLTCOL Edward T. Agpalza.

LGU, Police Strengthen Campaign Against Illegal Activities

Mayor Quiño expressed confidence that under the new leadership, efforts against criminality and illegal activities in the municipality will be further strengthened.

“With the new authority nga gisang-at satong hepe sa kapuliusan, Mangandoy ko nga atong makuha-kuhaan ang mga illigal dinhi sa atong lungsod and if not, we have to stop them,” Mayor Quiño emphasized during his message.

PNP Emphasizes Safety and Security

PCOL Navales likewise emphasized the Philippine National Police's mandate to ensure safety and security across the province, particularly in addressing illegal drugs.

“My mandate is to provide safety and security of the whole province of bukidnon. you as my partner diri sa manolo fortich, you do your best. na mention na ni mayor kaganiha iyang mga priority programs na pag abot sa illegal drugs di jud na nato siya pwede palampason," PCOL Navales said.

Supporting the LGU's Public Safety Agenda

The leadership transition supports the LGU's public safety and good governance priorities under Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño's 8-Point Agenda, particularly efforts to strengthen peace and security, address criminality and illegal activities, and help maintain Manolo Fortich as a safe and attractive tourism destination.

With PLTCOL Agpalza assuming leadership of the municipal police station, the LGU and the PNP are expected to continue strengthening coordination and community partnership in support of peace, public safety, and security in Manolo Fortich.