31-year-old takes helm of Itogon PNP: New police chief vows to strengthen—not replace—programs

ITOGON, Benguet – At just 31 years old, Police Captain Brett Allen P. Ande has officially taken command of the Itogon Municipal Police Station (MPS), pledging to build on the programs and initiatives that have already been serving the community instead of replacing them.

Before his assignment in Itogon, he served as Officer-in-Charge of the 62nd Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), where he took part in disaster response and public safety operations.

Ande formally assumed office as the new chief of the Itogon MPS during the turnover of command ceremony held on July 1, succeeding Police Major Mac Kenley A. Mayomis, who served as the municipality's chief of police for the past two years.

The ceremony was presided over by Benguet Police Provincial Office Director Police Colonel Dioniso D. Bonoy at Baligway Hall inside the Itogon Municipal Hall, according to the Itogon Municipal Police Station.

In his acceptance speech, Ande emphasized that he was not assuming the post to introduce sweeping changes but to continue and strengthen the programs that have already proven effective.

"I did not come here to change what is already working well. Rather, I came here with a commitment to continue and strengthen your good policies, best practices, and initiatives," Ande said.

The young police officer also pledged to support the development agenda of Mayor Bernard S. Waclin while serving the people of Itogon "with honor, humility, and excellence."

Mayomis ends two-year stint

For Mayomis, the turnover marked the conclusion of what he described as a rare opportunity to complete a full two-year assignment as chief of police of Itogon.

He credited the station's accomplishments not only to leadership but also to the collective support of the Benguet Police Provincial Office, the municipal government, barangay officials, partner agencies, and the personnel of the Itogon Municipal Police Station.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mayomis said the station's success was measured not only by crime statistics but also by the sense of safety and security experienced by the people of Itogon.

"Our successes in maintaining a peaceful, orderly, and safe Itogon were not just about statistics… It was about ensuring that every citizen felt secure in their homes and on the streets," Mayomis said.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of the relinquishment and assumption of office, followed by the ceremonial turnover of the office symbol and the station's property and equipment inventory book, formally marking the transition to a new chapter of leadership for the Itogon Municipal Police Station.