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Gatan appointed Ilocos Region police director
BY MAR T SUPNAD

CAMP GEN. OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union -- Chief Supt. Ramon V. Gatan took over Thursday as Ilocos Region police director in a ceremony attended by Philippine National Police chief Jesus Versoza.

But the assumption of General Gatan, the former deputy regional director for administration, is not new since there had been an “agreement” before that Gatan will take over Chief Supt. Luizo Ticman’s post, who goes up to Camp Crame.

In his speech, Versoza said Ticman will head the PNP’s logistics chief to replace Director Charlemagne Alejandrino who is set to retire soon.

“I accept this position with humility and keen appreciation of the awesome duties you have reposed on me, ever mindful of the fact that the office I am now poised to lead is the undisputed Best Police Regional Office of the nation,” said Gatan, a PMA graduate class 1977, in his acceptance speech.

Gatan said “As I embark on a new chapter – the crowning glory -- of my police career, I am inspired by the fact that the PNP leadership had provided the roadmap to where the police organization should proceed. This roadmap is the PNP Integrated Transformation Program. During my time as DRDA, I had personally witnessed and actively took part in PRO1’s all-out implementation of the ITP. We ‘hit the ground running’ and is now on the right track towards genuine transformation.”

He vowed to continue the programs started by his predecessor saying “see to it that we remain on track, and further build up on the gains we had so far achieved. In short, I will lead you in sustaining our momentum.”

“I will lead you in the honest-to-goodness implementation of the major thrusts initiated by the national leadership. These include the development and empowerment of leaders at all levels; the promotion of the value of the PNP Badge of Honor; the enhancement of patrol, investigation and ISO; promotion of human rights; and engaging faith-based organizations,” Gatan said

He added that he will lead policemen in “enhancing our partnership with the community, our indispensable ally against criminality, insurgency and other threats to our freedom and security. “We shall continue fostering closer ties with various sectors of society.” .