EPD chief to combat drug trade

Metro police chief Director Reynaldo Varilla has directed newly installed Eastern Police District (EPD) director Chief Superintendent Luizo Ticman to prevent the resurgence of another shabu "tiangge" in his area of responsibility.

"Definitely, my specific instruction is for him to go hard against illegal drugs. He should prevent another shabu market operation in the EPD jurisdiction for us not to be accused of being in cahoots with drug syndicates," Varilla said.

The Metro police chief presided over the other day the change of command ceremonies that installed Ticman as the new director of the EPD.

Prior to his new assignment, Ticman was the executive director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) directorate for plans.

Ticman, who belongs to the Philippine Military Academy Class ’76 replaced Chief Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino (PMA Class 75).

Varilla presented a Medalya ng Pambihirang Paglilingkod (PNP Service Medal) to Alejandrino who was promoted as deputy director for directorate for plans at Camp Crame. He was the EPD director from Feb. 22 to Aug. 24.

Alejandrino thanked Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno for the opportunity to serve the EPD even for six months.

The outgoing EPD chief said he was able to reduce under his watch the crime rate in the district by 13.8 percent and the crime volume by 18.5 percent. "I can say that the officers and men of the EPD have not been remiss in their duties because we worked hard to make this part of the metropolis a good place to live in and do business."

He also cited other accomplishments like the improvement of the water systems of the three buildings of the EPD, the construction of a war room equipped with five TV monitors and a map and the barracks for male and female members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), who render duty 24 hours a day.

For his part, Ticman said his assignment is a homecoming of sort as he served the EPD in various capacities in the past, including as its chief of staff in 2001.

Ticman thanked President Arroyo and Puno for their confidence in his capability to lead the EPD.

He said he would strictly implement the various programs and projects in the fight against criminality, terrorism and illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, Varilla praised Alejandrino for "a job well done" as he wished him the best in his new assignment.

Alejandrino took over the helm of the EPD following the successful raid by anti-drug agents of a shabu tiangge in Pasig last February. Varilla vowed not to allow the existence of another shabu market under his watch.

"The campaign against illegal drugs should be prioritized by the police districts and not by the EPD alone. We should make life hard for drug syndicates," he said.