In a significant administrative shift within the Philippine National Police, outgoing Regional Chief of the Highway Patrol Unit 7, Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu, has formally turned over his duties to Police Regional Office 7 Director, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan. This transition marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing reorganization of law enforcement leadership across the country.
New Assignments and Regional Transfers
Effective Thursday, April 16, 2026, Tiu will be reassigned to the Highway Patrol Group in Region 10, taking on new responsibilities in a different geographical area. His successor at RHPU 7 will be Police Colonel Richard Bogoy Gumboc, a distinguished member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1998, who is currently stationed at the National Headquarters of the Highway Patrol Group.
Rotation Details and Personnel Movements
As part of this comprehensive rotation strategy, Tiu will replace Police Colonel Ruel Rullan Sermese in Region 10. Meanwhile, Sermese is set to assume the duties left vacant by Colonel Gumboc at the Human Resource and Management Division within the HPG Central Office. This carefully orchestrated series of transfers aims to optimize operational efficiency and leadership distribution.
Promotion Pathway and Organizational Structure
Lieutenant Colonel Tiu clarified that the position of chief at RHPU 7 is an exclusive role reserved for a Full Colonel. Since he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he must first be placed in a Table of Organization position in another region where he can be promoted to Police Colonel. This procedural requirement underscores the structured hierarchy and promotion protocols within the Philippine National Police.
Career Background and Achievements
A graduate of the PNPA Class of 2003, Tiu was appointed as the chief of RHPU 7 on November 24, 2025, succeeding Police Colonel Neil Francia, who had retired from service. During his five-month tenure, Tiu expressed profound gratitude to the people of Cebu for their support, highlighting numerous accomplishments that contributed to enhanced road safety and order in the region. His leadership has been instrumental in achieving key milestones for traffic management and public security.
