CHANGE OF COMMAND. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr. (center), director of Police Regional Office in Caraga, hands over the leadership of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) to Col. Joseph Boquiren (right) who replaces Col. James Goforth (left) during a change of command ceremony on Monday (Oct. 25, 2021) at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City. Under the term of Goforth, the SDSPPO was named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms. (Photo courtesy of SDSPPO) BUTUAN CITY - The Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) has a new director in the person of Col. Joseph Boquiren. Boquiren formally assumed his new position during a change of command ceremony held on Monday at the Camp Vicente L. Pimentel Sr. in Tandag City. Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., director of Police Regional Office in Caraga Region, facilitated the turnover activity between Boquiren and outgoing SDSPPO chief, Col. James Goforth. "I am thankful to the men and women of SDSPPO for their support during my term as their director," Goforth told the Philippine News Agency on Monday. He also extended his appreciation for the continuing support of the provincial government and the different local government units, the line agencies, and the various stakeholders. Goforth has been the director of SDSPPO since Oct. 23, 2019. During his term, Goforth has been awarded various recognitions, including as the Best Police Commissioned Officer for Operations. The SDSPPO was also named Best Performing Unit in 2021 on the campaign against illegal gambling, illegal logging, and loose firearms. "My new assignment will be at the PRO-13 headquarters," Goforth said but declined to elaborate. Boquiren, for his part, was the chief of the Regional Operations Division of PRO-13 before his new assignment. The change of command was graced by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel; the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion Commander, Lt. Col. Michael Rey Reuyan, and other top officials of the province. (PNA) }