Police Lieutenant Colonel Wildemar Tiu has officially taken command as the new leader of Highway Patrol Group Central Visayas (HPG 7), marking a significant leadership change in the region's traffic enforcement unit.
The appointment became effective on November 24, 2025, following the retirement of his predecessor, Police Colonel Neil Francia. The transition brings a seasoned officer with extensive local experience to oversee road safety and traffic management across Central Visayas.
Extensive Police Background
Before his current assignment, Tiu served as the chief of Tagum City Police Station under the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office. His career demonstrates strong roots in Cebu law enforcement, having previously commanded several key police stations in the area.
A proud Cebu City native, Tiu graduated from the prestigious Philippine National Police Academy as part of the Sambigkis Class of 2003. His leadership experience includes heading the Waterfront Police Station, Abellana Police Station, and Mabolo Police Station, where he developed a reputation for effective community policing.
Holiday Season Security Plans
With December festivities approaching, Tiu has announced immediate deployment strategies to enhance public safety. HPG 7 personnel will be visible on major roads throughout the holiday season to reassure Cebuanos and deter criminal activity.
The new chief emphasized that combating carnapping remains a top priority, along with addressing other transportation violations. He specifically highlighted the problem of overcharging by public utility vehicle drivers, particularly taxi operators who take advantage of passengers during busy periods.
"We are now approaching the holiday season this December," Tiu stated. "We will also support our terminals, especially our passengers who will be taking public transportation like taxis. If they encounter abusive taxi drivers, they can report it."
Commuters Encouraged to Document Violations
Tiu issued a stern warning to drivers engaging in improper practices, urging them to stop refusing passengers to avoid legal consequences. He outlined a clear process for commuters to report violations effectively.
The police official advised passengers to document incidents by capturing videos or photographs, specifically focusing on the taxi body number. These visual records can be submitted to HPG 7, Land Transportation Office (LTO), or Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for immediate action.
"Our tip to commuters: take a photo of the taxi's body number, and they can report it to the Highway Patrol Group, the LTO, or the LTFRB," Tiu explained. "We will work together to protect our commuters."
Addressing concerns about vehicle theft, Tiu clarified that many reported motorcycle theft cases actually involve legitimate towing operations due to illegal parking or violations of local ordinances. His administration aims to provide clearer communication about such enforcement actions to prevent public confusion.
Tiu's connection to Police Regional Office 7 dates back to 2011 when he joined the Regional Personnel and Records Management Division after completing a United Nations mission in Sudan. His subsequent leadership roles in various Cebu City police stations demonstrated his commitment to urban safety, notably clearing his jurisdictions of street dwellers through compassionate enforcement strategies.
