ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / May 29, 2014) – Chief Superintendent Edgar Basbas has formally assumed Thursday as the new regional police director for Western Mindanao, officials said.
Officials said Basbas replaced Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, Jr. who has been promoted by the Philippine National Police after serving in Zamboanga. Vaño was hailed by sectors in the region for his dedication to his duty and many accomplishments during his stint.
“Chief Superintendent Ed Basbas is the new regional police director. He replaced Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, Jr.,” said Senior Inspector Joseph Ortega, the regional police spokesman.
He said the formal turnover of command was held at the Garden Orchids Hotel and attended Police Director General Alan Purisima and other top police and military officials, and business and local politicians who thanked Vaño for keeping Zamboanga safe and also welcomed Basbas, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 83.
One of those who welcomed Basbas was Nenie Abendan, the widow of police Colonel Romeo Abendan. Basbas was one Abendan’s junior officers when he was then provincial police commander of Zamboanga del Sur in 1983.
“The assignment of General Ed Basbas here brings back memories of long ago…he was one of Romy’s junior officers in 1983-84, along with General Megs Yanga when Romy was the Provincial Commander of Zamboanga del Sur. How time flies,” she said.
The widow also thanked Vaño for serving as the regional police chief. “Hasta la vista Boy and thank you for serving Zamboanga,” she said. (Mindanao Examiner)
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