The Northern Police District (NPD), which covers the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela, will now be under the leadership of Police Brigadier General Arnold Abad, replacing Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan.

The turnover ceremony was held Thursday at the NPD Headquarters in Caloocan City, attended by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin.

In his inaugural speech, Abad pledged to sustain crime reduction efforts in the CAMANAVA area.

“I pledge to uphold the guiding principles set by our Regional Director, to observe the fundamentals of proper crime prevention and resolution, to strictly adhere to police operational procedures, and to choose what is right — even in the face of challenging situations,” Abad said.

Before his appointment as NPD District Director, Abad served as Deputy Director of the National Police Training Institute.

Ligan, who led the NPD for eight months, emphasized the importance of values and character in law enforcement.

“As we continue to internalize the guidance of our able, active, and allied regional director of NCRPO, let us stay true to our duty by observing the basics of crime prevention, strictly following police procedures, always doing what is right, avoiding illegal acts, and upholding integrity with respect for personal beliefs,” Ligan said.

He will be reassigned as the regional director of the Western Visayas Police Force.

An earlier memorandum initially named Ligan as the incoming director of Police Regional Office 1, while Police Brigadier General Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. was assigned to Western Visayas. The latest update, however, switched their postings.

NCRPO Chief PMGen Anthony Aberin said the reassignment was part of standard procedures.

“This is a normal placement of officers. Many have been in their positions for a long time and now need to be given higher posts with greater responsibilities — this is just a regular reshuffle,” Aberin explained.

He added that only the most qualified and competent officers will be appointed to key positions as part of the realignment.