City govt, ADZU bids adieu to one of the City’s finest
In ceremonies resembling that of a send-off accorded to religious missionaries embarking on a mission, a Mass followed by a testimonial dinner was held in honor of PSSupt Angelito “Lito” Casimiro evening of January 19 at the University Church of the Sacred Heart and Learning Resource Center garden in Ateneo, respectively.
Describing Casimiro as “the anointed one” in his homily, Fr Karel San Juan, SJ, ADZU president, said that Casimiro’s designation was not a simple appointment as director of the Philippine National Police(PNP) of Zamboanga City, because Casimiro brought with him not only his police training but also his religious convictions.
The final blessing, normally bestowed upon the congregation by the celebrant of the Mass, was given to Casimiro by the community in attendance who raised their hands forward in prayer in his direction.
At the dinner cum program, government officials, men and women who served with and under Casimiro’s command and a town mate and childhood friend, paid tribute to the man of the hour. Casimiro’s fellow Nueva Vizcaya non Fr Stephen Abuan, SJ, ADZU High School principal,recalled how back when they were in high school, he admired Casimiro who “had it all,” being an excellent student, a great athlete, and what then was the ultimate measure of being a part of the cream of the crop – anofficer in the Citizen’s Army Training.
Gen Miguel Antonio, PNP-9 regional director, in his message, urged Casimiro who served from April 2014 to January 2016, to earn his first star and return to Zamboanga and to succeed him.
Fr San Juan, on behalf of the Ateneo and the Jesuit community, presented Casimiro a plaque of appreciation “for his service to the people of Zamboanga,”and a statue of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. His citation describes his term as PNP city director who rendered “a service characterized bybravery, discipline, humility, intelligence; obedience to authority, responsible use of power; passion for integrity and excellence, care for his people; andgrounded in his faith in God — living out the Prayer of Generosity of St. Ignatius of Loyola.”
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar who depicted Casimiro as “God-sent,” presented a plaque of recognition in Chavacano, and led the community in a song rendition especially dedicated to the evening’s honoree, the proverbial “God gave me you.” The City government office also showed an audio-visual presentation highlighting Casimiro in action as PNP director.
In his response, Casimiro, thanked the people present and shared that he also feels that his assignment to Zamboanga had also been a gift from God.
Casimiro and guests were entertained by the University’s Asti strings and men and women in uniform who saluted their “chief” one last time in song.
