Simple ceremony marks PNP Samar’s chief turn-over of command

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
December 3, 2008

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar  –  Simple ceremony marks the turn-over of command of responsibility from PSSupt Asdali Idja Abah to PSSupt. Pepito M. Pacada on Tuesday at the Samar Police Provincial Office (PPO) headquarters.

PSSupt. Rey Lañada of PRO 08, Deputy Commanding General of 8th Infantry Division, Ernie Redaja, representative of acting Samar Governor Jesus Redaja, the chiefs of police (COPs) and a few media men witnessed the event.

Abah in his message told the crowd that he will retire from government service after some 37 years, serving then the Integrated National Police (INP), the Philippine Constabulary (PC) and now the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In Samar, Abah served for two years and five months. He added that he will miss the service having devoted 70% of his time to the service of the PNP.

“I have known no other life than being a man in uniform,” the emotional Abah said. He recalled that it is with Samar that he proved his mettle as a leader capable of leading men and women to a more peaceful Samar.

It was also in Samar, he said when he lost his nephew (a PNP member) who was ambushed in Pinabacdao some two years ago. But he was also in Samar, when his mission to go to Mecca (a very significant accomplishment for a Muslim) was realized, he noted.

He enjoined his men to give the same support he got to Pacada.

Abah received two medals from Lañada, Medalya ng Paglilingkod and Medalya ng Kagalingan. He also got a plaque from the Samar media citing his availability to answer issues when needed and calling the media from time to time for updates and milestones of his period in office.

In his acceptance speech Pacada promised to equal Abah’s prowess in leading the more than 700 PNP officers and men.