Ex-NPD cop cites ‘big shoes to fill’ as new QCPD chief

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (center) facilitates the formal turnover of the QCPD leadership to new QCPD director Col. Ronnie Montejo (right) from outgoing QCPD chief Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr. during a simple ceremony in Camp Karingal, Quezon City, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. INQUIRER.net/Consuelo Marquez

MANILA, Philippines — As he formally assumes the post of being the new Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, Col. Ronnie Montejo has vowed to continue the good policies of outgoing QC police chief Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr.

The former Deputy District Director for Administration (DDDA) of the Northern Police District made this pledge while he admitted during the turnover ceremony Tuesday that he has “big shoes to fill” at the helm of QCPD.

“At sa aking predecessor, Joselito Esquivel Jr., asahan niyo po na ipagpapatuloy ko po ang lahat ng magandang nasimulan at nagawa nyo po dito sa QCPD. I know that I have big shoes to fill in as QCPD director,” Montejo said.

Esquivel has been designated as the new director of the Caraga police.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, himself a former QC police director, recognized QCPD’s anti-illegal drugs initiatives under Esquivel’s 17-month leadership.

Eleazar even noted that QCPD was named as the best police district for two consecutive years – in 2018 and 2019.

Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto also lauded Esquivel for helping the local government start its anti-drug campaign.

“We were very successful [in the anti-drug campaign]. And out of 142 QC barangays, 64 barangays [were cleared of drugs]. Patuloy din kami sa internal cleansing sa aming barangay,” Sotto, representing QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, said during his speech at Camp Karingal.

Sotto added that the QC government is “looking forward” to working with Montejo in intensifying the city government’s campaign against illegal drugs and corruption.

Newly-installed QCPD director Col. Ronnie Montejo speaks to members of the media after the QCPD leadership turnover ceremony in Camp Karingal, Quezon City, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019. INQUIRER.net/Consuelo Marquez

Erring QC cops warned

Montejo said he will not think twice about punishing rogue policemen in QCPD.

“As your new district director, I will make sure that you’re good deeds will be rewarded and those who will break the chain and violate the law will be punished,” he stressed.

Montejo advised QC police officers to “perform their duties well” and serve the public “without fear or favor.” /kga