LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) -- A multi-awarded police officer from Benguet province takes over the helm of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), earning the distinction as the first-ever woman to assume as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) – Police City Director of Zamboanga City.

Police Colonel Kimberly Esteban Molitas formally assumed as the OIC of the ZCPO in a Change of Command ceremony presided over by Police Regional Office – 9 Director PBGen. Bowenn Joey Masauding on March 11, 2024. She replaced PCol. Rainier Diaz.

The assumption ceremony was witnessed by Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe and other PNP officials.

The multi-awarded Molitas  is the Filipino  policewoman to complete a Fulbright scholarship as a Hubert Humphrey Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

She achieved the distinction of being the youngest recipient of  the Ten Outstanding Policewomen of the Philippines at the age of 25.

She is also one of the "12 Emerging Leaders of Asia"  selected by the Asia Foundation from among  650 entries from 53 countries. 

She also served with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti.

In her message,  Molitas committed to sustain peace and order in the city, and will pursue the plans and programs of her predecessors.
 
“I intend that the city of Zamboanga will be equated to peace and known as a peaceful city that deserves to be visited, a peaceful place to live and invest,” Molitas said.
 
"As long as I am here, all efforts shall be made, all the programs will be directed towards making sure that Zamboanga City will be known as the City of Peace," she added. (RMC- PIA-CAR) (Zamboanga City PIO / ZCPO)