Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu has officially taken command of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) in Region 7, marking a new chapter for the unit tasked with securing the major thoroughfares of Central Visayas. The formal turnover of command occurred on Monday, November 24, 2025, where Tiu succeeded the recently retired Police Colonel Neil Francia.
A Seasoned Leader Takes the Wheel
Before his appointment as the top officer of HPG-7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu served as the chief of the Tagum City Police Station in Davao del Norte. A native of Cebu City, Tiu is a proud member of the Philippine National Police Academy Sambigkis Class of 2003, bringing a wealth of experience and local understanding to his new role. His career also includes a stint with the United Nations mission in Sudan, after which he was assigned to the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
Priority Mandate: Curbing Crime and Protecting Commuters
With the busy holiday season fast approaching, Tiu immediately outlined his operational priorities. He revealed that a significant number of HPG-7 personnel will be deployed on the streets to ensure public safety. The unit's core mandates include solving carnapping cases and addressing various street crimes, with a specific focus on overcharging by public utility vehicle drivers.
Tiu issued a stern warning to drivers who are in the habit of refusing passengers, advising them to avoid this practice to prevent facing legal problems. Furthermore, he actively encouraged commuters to become partners in maintaining order by reporting unruly drivers. "Our tip for commuters is to take a picture of the taxi body number. They can report this to the Highway Patrol Group at our LTO or LTFRB," Tiu explained, suggesting that photos or videos can serve as vital evidence.
Clarifying Motorcycle Theft Reports
The new HPG-7 chief also addressed a common concern, acknowledging that the office receives numerous reports about motorcycle theft. However, he clarified that based on their investigations, a majority of these motorcycles were not actually stolen. Many of the reported vehicles had been towed because they were illegally parked in prohibited areas. This clarification aims to manage public expectations and direct resources more effectively towards genuine criminal activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Tiu's extensive background in field command includes leadership roles at several police stations in Cebu City, such as the Waterfront Police Station 3, Abellana Police Station 2, and Mabolo Police Station, where he was known for initiatives like clearing street dwellers from his jurisdiction. His return to Cebu signals a focused and hands-on approach to the challenges of road security in the region.
