PNP appoints new EPD chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has appointed a new director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) to replace Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan, who was sacked from his post for physically and verbally abusing a policewoman.

Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan took over as EPD chief effective yesterday, PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said.

Col. Florendo Quibuyen, who temporarily replaced Tambungan, was designated as executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Research and Development.

Prior to his appointment, Bathan was deputy regional director for administration of the Davao police.

A member of the Philippine National Police Academy Class of 1989,  Bathan has more than one year left in the police service.

Banac said Bathan’s appointment aims to ensure the continuity of police services in areas under the EPD jurisdiction.

The EPD covers the cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina and San Juan.

Bathan is the third police official who held the EPD post in a span of three months, after Tambungan and Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, who was also relieved from his post after anti-narcotics officers from the  EPD were accused of extortion.

In a phone interview, Bathan said he would continue the programs already in place in the EPD.

“There will be no extraordinary changes. We will continue the programs that have been established for maintaining peace and order,” he said.

Bathan vowed to instill discipline among his subordinates, adding he would not hesitate to punish police officers involved in drugs and other illegal activities.