Aklan police press corps elects officers, vows stronger ties with PNP, Army
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

'BATTLE READY'. The founding members of the newly organized Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) during the election of officers. Front row (left) Jun Ariolo Aguirre, Rolly Herrera and Isidro Rasgo. Standing (left) Ambrosio Villorente Jr, Arnel Relampago, Noel Cabobos, Ronnel Irodistan, Edsel Mainit and Jojit Reyes. (BRZabal)

KALIBO, Aklan – To build up the unity and camaraderie among beat reporters assigned in police stations, the newly organized Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) elected its officers over the weekend.
Noel Cabobos of the weekly Western Explorer is the founding president. Jojit Reyes of IBC DYRG is the vice president along with Alex Carlo Magno as secretary (RMN DyKR); Edsel Mainit, treasurer (DyIN Bombo Radyo); Rolly Herrera, business manager (Western Visayas Journal); Ronnel Irodistan, auditor (CBIS Hot FM 98.5) and Jun Ariolo Aguirre, press relation officer (Hala Birada).
The press corps also chose Boy Ryan Zabal (Panay News) as chairman of the Board and directors Ron Bautista (RGMA DyRU Super Radyo), Arnel Relampago (Kalibo Cable TV), Arnel Vicente (DyIN Bombo Radyo), Isidro Rasgo (Aklan Cable TV) and Ambrosio Villorente Jr (Madyaas Pen).
The organization strives to make stronger the harmonious relationship of police beat reporters including those covering the activities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Senior Supt. Benigno ‘Bong’ Durana Jr., acting Aklan police director and APDPC adviser, welcomed such impressive group that would create more opportunities for the members of the press corps covering police-related events and sow respect from the community.
Durana is set to induct the founding officers and members on March 24, Saturday, at Kusina sa Kalibo.
“I would really love to work closely with the media to improve the quality of life of Aklanons through capacity building and internal reforms of the police and the community,” Durana said.
Lawyer and veteran journalist Ronquillo Tolentino was also appointed as APDPC legal consultant.