MANILA, Philippines – A graduate of the prestigious United States Military Academy has been appointed the officer in charge of the Northern Police District (NPD).

Chief Supt. Eric Javier, who graduated from West Point in 1977, replaced Chief Supt. Pedro Tango who will take over the Police Regional Office 11 in Davao.

“It is a great honor and privilege to be chosen to take command of NPD,” Javier said at the turnover ceremonies held at the NPD headquarters yesterday morning.

He vowed to strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs and organized and street crimes with the help of local government officials.

The NPD covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

“An open line of communication will exist between the NPD chain of command and all the mayors of the cities composing the territory,” Javier said.

At the same time, he announced that he would not implement a major reshuffle of posts in the NPD until he has evaluated the records of police officers under his command.

According to the new NPD chief, he was “not in the habit of bringing in people wherever I go.”

Before his appointment to the top NPD post, Javier was the deputy regional director for administration of the National Capital Region Police Office.

He also served as Tarlac provincial director.