By ARDY ARANETA-BATOY
He did not dream of becoming a police officer when he was in high school. He
wanted to become a lawyer, but his father died during that time.
He was offered many scholarship programs, including seminary and engineering. He
was lucky to be admitted to the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
He is Lt Col John Kareen Escober, the first commander of the Provincial Mobile
Force Company (PMFC) in Bohol, and a former member of the Special Action Force
(SAF). He is also a graduate of the PNPA Class of 2009 and a proud son of Candijay
town, Bohol.
He shared his journey and role in Bohol in an interview with DYTR radio host Ardy
Araneta Batoy over Open Forum, a program which aims to interact with the public
and inform them about the activities and services of the Philippine National Police
(PNP) in the province.
He was accompanied by Lt Col Norman Nuez, head of PCADU and his mentor who
taught him various aspects in police service.
Lt Col Nuez said that Lt Col Escober has undergone many trainings in SAF, such as
counterinsurgency commando, air born, and SWAT.
Lt Col Escober explained that the PMFC is the main maneuver company of the
Bohol PPO and that they are in charge of counter-insurgency, anti-terrorism,
calamity response, and VIP security.
He noted that his personnel are scattered around Bohol, with forward bases in
Inabanga and Ubay, and that he also has the SWAT company stationed in
Tagbilaran City.
He said that he has guarded President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Leni
Robredo, Senator Bong Go, and other high-ranking officials who visited Bohol.
Escober bared he is proud to serve his country and his province.
He also said that he considers every operation as a challenge and an opportunity to
serve the people.
Escober told DYTR that he thinks of his family as a source of motivation and
inspiration. He said that he tries to be successful in every operation and ensure the
safety and security of his team.

Moreover, Escober said he does not regret anything and that he is grateful to the
PNP organization for helping him with his career and family.
He vowed that he will dedicate his entire life to the PNP.
The interview ended with Lt Col Nuez thanking Ma’am Ardy for inviting them to her
program.
He also thanked the public for their support to Bohol PNP led by PD Col. Lorenzo
Batuan.