Davao region police exec officially assumes post as new EPD director

MANILA, Philippines — Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan on Wednesday officially took over command of the Eastern Police District (EPD).

Bathan formerly served as  Deputy Regional Director for Administration at the Police Regional Office 11 (Davao Region).

Outgoing EPD officer-in-charge Col. Florendo Quibuyen officially turned over the post to Bathan during the change of command ceremony led by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar at the EPD headquarters in Pasig City.

Outgoing EPD Officer-in-Charge district director Col. Florendo Quibuyen, NCRPO Chief Police Maj. Guillermo Eleazar and EPD’s new district director Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan at the change of command ceremony in EPD Headquarters, Pasig City. Photo by Krissy Aguilar / INQUIRER.net

Quibuyen temporarily replaced former Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan as EPD chief after the latter was relieved from his post for allegedly verbally and physically assaulting a female police officer.

Tambungan only served as EPD director for three months. He assumed the post in March.

READ: BREAKING: EPD chief relieved for verbal, physical assault on policewoman – Eleazar

In an ambush interview after the program, Bathan said he will work on the “internal cleansing” of the EPD.

“Let us work on internal cleansing. The keyword is discipline. All those violating the laws of the land or policy in the PNP shall be punished. With observance of due process of course,” Bathan said.

The new EPD director also vowed to continue with the crackdown on illegal drugs.

“Let us support our government in its campaign against illegal drugs. We will focus on high ranking targets whoever they are. Whoever they are. Government officials, politicians rich families,” he said.

Eleazar, on the other hand, described Bathan as a “disciplinarian.”

“I knew him to be a disciplinarian. Kaya wala tayong magiging problema dito,” Eleazar said of Bathan in an ambush interview.

“Ang gusto natin bigyan ng emphasis syempre hindi lang ‘yung trabaho kundi bigyan din natin ng pansin, we should also protect the organization as well as the men and women we supervise,” he added.

As the new EPD director, Bathan will lead the district in the implementation of Philippine National Police (PNP) programs in the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong and San Juan.

Quibuyen, meanwhile was assigned as executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Research and Development.

As the new EPD director, Bathan will lead the district in the implementation of Philippine National Police (PNP) programs in the cities of Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong and San Juan.

Quibuyen, meanwhile was assigned as executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Research and Development.  (Editor: Mike U Frialde)