CEBU CITY -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas looked back at his stint in Central Visayas when he visited the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) Headquarters for the first time since being named the country's highest police official.

In his command visit last Saturday, Sinas said he believed that his 16-month stint as PRO 7 regional director paved the way for him to earn the coveted PNP chief post.

"I think it was in PRO 7 that people came to know me. It was the first step of my journey to becoming the PNP chief, " Sinas said.

Sinas, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Hinirang Class of 1987, shared that he was surprised when President Duterte named him as the new PNP chief. 

"I believed they were able to recognize my management skills when I was the PRO 7 director," Sinas said.

After PRO 7, Sinas became the regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO). 

Sinas said he will run the 200,000-strong police force the way he ran the PRO 7 and NCRPO. 

"What I did in PRO 7, I have done it in NCRPO and that's what I will do with the entire PNP. We already have this template that is proven and tested," said Sinas.

Sinas said one of the guidance that President gave him was to intensify the illegal drug campaign. 

Running after high-value targets will be the priority in the intensified drug campaign, Sinas said. 

"The drug testing for our police will continue so that we will know those who are into illegal drug activities," said Sinas. 

The President also ordered Sinas to get rid the PNP of corruption. 

"For our anti-corruption efforts, we will sustain the no take policy. No one should take money that came from illegal drugs, illegal gambling, smuggling and unscrupulous businessmen. We will feel good if we don't accept bribe money and we will not be ashamed to face the public," Sinas pointed out. 

Sinas assured that the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOEEs) will reach down to the smallest police station. 

To ensure that MOOEs will reach every police station in full amount, the funds will be given directly to the station chief through automated teller machine (ATM) cards. 

Sinas also ordered his men to be more efficient as he reiterated that playing golf during office hours would be strictly prohibited. 

Sinas said the President also reminded him to intensify the anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism campaigns. 

"We should prevent bombings or kidnappings because these terroristic activities destroy our economy," said Sinas.

Sinas said the PNP will continue its active role in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

To end, Sinas reminded policemen to be god-fearing and to value their families. 

"Believe in God, believe in your God because at the end of the day, there is someone looking at you and will judge you for what you have done. Love your family because if you love your family, you will be afraid to commit illegal acts," Sinas said. 

Before the command visit at PRO 7, Sinas attended a thanksgiving Mass that was celebrated by Fr. Carmelo Diola at the Cebu Archbishop's Palace. 

On Sunday) morning, Sinas had an audience with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. 

Together with Sinas were Lt. Gen Guillermo Eleazar, Major Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz and PRO7 director Brig. Gen Albert Ignatius Ferro and City Councilor Joel Garganera.