The Philippine National Police (PNP) has designated a new director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) days after the relief of a controversial general who was caught in the video footage allegedly hitting a policewoman.
Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan has taken over the leadership of the EPD effective Tuesday based on the appointment order issued by the PNP-Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.
Prior to his assumption of the EPD leadership, Bathan is the number two man of the Davao regional police, being the deputy regional director for administration.
His past assignments include provincial director of Samar, officer-in-charge of the Pasay City police and deputy regional director for Operations of the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) regional police.
He was promoted to one-star rank, or Brigadier General, in December last year. Bathan is a member of the PNP Academy Class 1989.
Bathan’s appointment came days after Brig. Gen. Christopher Tambungan was sacked from his post after he was accused of physically and verbally abusing a policewoman in San Juan last month.
The video footage of the incident became viral in the social media.
While investigation is still being conducted against Tambungan, PNP spokesman Bernard Banac said that the national police leadership has decided to appoint a permanent district director of the EPD.
“While the cases (against Tambungan) are being heard, it was decided that a permanent replacement be designated in order to ensure that the services at the EPD will not be affected,” said Banac.
EPD covers the areas of San Juan, Marikina, Mandaluyong and Pasig.
The post vacated by Bathan in Davao region will be filled up by Police Col. Domingo Cabillan, who was previously assigned to the PNP Finance Service.
Col. Florendo Quibuyen, who temporarily replaced Tambungan, was designated as executive Officer of the Directorate for Research and Development. (Aaron Recuenco)